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By NICK ZEGARAC
"Raging Bull" (1980) is, bar
none, the best work that director Martin Scorsese
has ever done. Though not recognized as such at
the time of the film's original release, and
somewhat eclipsed in popularity by the later
success of "Goodfellas," it is in "Raging Bull
that Scorsese really hit his stride.
The film is a not-so-fictional, often critical and
harsh account of real life boxing legend Jake
La Motta (Robert De Niro). Not that La Motta would
disagree with that assessment. In fact he would
probably add that the film pales in comparison to
the sort of lunkheaded jerk he was with his first
wife, Vickie (Cathy Moriarty). Scorsese, not a fan
of boxing at the start of production, delved deep
into the material and came out swinging as the
undisputed champion. The evocative black and white
(except for a rare color sequence) cinematography
really captures the mood and feel of old time
boxing newsreels.
Of course, the other half that makes the story
sparkle like no other sports movie before or
since, and cannot be overstated, is Robert De
Niro's masterful performance as Jake. Gaining and
losing some sixty pounds for the shoot, in every
ounce of his being and delivery, De Niro is
La Motta. The line between character and actor is
so poignantly blurred that the performance stands
out as genuine and raw in its reverence and
sincerity to both La Motta and the sport.
Joe Pesci, who at this point in his career had
almost decided that acting was not for him,
establishes an indelible performance as Joey
La Motta, one that would continue to burn in his
many works since then -- both with and without
Scorsese. The rest of the cast, handpicked by
Scorsese for their non-actor qualities, come off
as real life patrons of the ring, an inspired
artistic approach that with each new viewing seems
more like a hidden camera account of La Motta than
a fictional equivalent. De Niro rightfully took
home the Best Actor Oscar for "Raging Bull."
Scorsese and the film were wrongfully overlooked.
MGM has given us a stunning new transfer of
"Raging Bull." The black and white image is
smooth, beautifully contrasted and very nicely
balanced. Blacks are deep and rich. Whites are
generally clean, except where Scorsese has
deliberately toned down the contrast for artistic
effect. Fine detail is fully realized throughout.
There is no edge enhancement or other digital
glitches for a picture quality that is
staggeringly beautiful in all of its sustained and
intense glory. The faded color sequences,
deliberately rendered that way, are poignant
snapshots of a private life that add yet another
layer to the telling of this tale. The audio,
remixed to 5.1, like the Raging Bull himself,
packs an incredible one/two wallop. The sound
field is engaging, intense and always on pitch.
Extras include a string of interesting
documentaries that chart the film from conception
to post production. La Motta as well as De Niro are
on hand to comment. There's even a side-by-side
La Motta to De Niro fight sequence that compares
fighting styles. The film's theatrical trailer, a
gallery and audio commentary round out the extras. |
