MovieFest Movie Marathon #4: 'Raging Bull' Review


MovieFest Movie Marathon #4 • Raging Bull, 1980 • 10/10 •

Director Martin Scorsese uses gorgeous black-and-white photography to evoke the time period. But, that barely covers up the mean, modern stuff, from the language and behavior to the ferocious fight sequences. On top of everything, the performances set a new standard for American movies and actors, with Robert De Niro famously gaining 60 pounds over the course of the production for his character.

The acting was phenomenal, De Niro is on another level (scenes where he resites material for his stand-up, shows how talented he really is.) Pesci was just born to act, every thing he does turns to pure gold. I really can't commend his performance enough, I love him! What a career debut from Cathy Moriarty, before this she had never acted before, Pesci found her in a nightclub and casting director Cis Corman gave her two weeks of training before she met Scorsese and De Niro. Lucky woman, what a first film!

I have to say Scorsese made Raging Bull at an interesting period, coming between his gritty New York movies (Taxi Driver) and his slick gangster movies (GoodFellas); it has attributes of both, making it something of an essential Scorsese viewing experience. His camera angles and the Oscar-winning editing are flawless, rendering this film an instant classic. Must see!

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