Raging Bull (1980)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Raging Bull is a 1980 American biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from Jake LaMotta’s memoir Raging Bull: My Story. The film stars Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose self-destructive and obsessive rage, sexual jealousy, and animalistic appetite destroy his relationship with his wife and family. The film also stars Joe Pesci as Joey, LaMotta’s well-meaning brother and manager, and Cathy Moriarty as his wife, Vickie.

The Story Unfolds

Early Career and Personal Struggles

The film begins in the 1940s with Jake LaMotta’s rise in the boxing world. Despite his success in the ring, LaMotta’s personal life is fraught with turmoil. His intense jealousy and controlling behavior towards his wife, Vickie (Cathy Moriarty), and violent outbursts strain his relationships. LaMotta’s paranoia and insecurity lead to frequent altercations with his brother Joey (Joe Pesci), who serves as his manager.

Championship and Downfall

LaMotta eventually wins the middleweight championship, but his victory is short-lived. His jealousy and suspicion towards Vickie continue to grow, leading to abusive behavior. LaMotta’s personal demons begin to affect his professional life, resulting in erratic performances and a decline in his boxing career. His distrust of those closest to him isolates him further, and his violent tendencies escalate.

The Climax and Resolution

Fall from Grace

As LaMotta’s career declines, so does his personal life. His marriage to Vickie deteriorates, and his relationship with Joey becomes strained to the breaking point. LaMotta’s increasing desperation leads to self-destructive behavior, including a stint in jail for introducing underage girls to men in his nightclub. His fall from grace is marked by his weight gain and loss of athletic prowess.

Redemption and Reflection

The film concludes with an older, heavier LaMotta reflecting on his past. He attempts to reinvent himself as a nightclub performer, reciting lines from films and staging comedy routines. Despite his efforts, he remains haunted by his past mistakes and the relationships he has ruined. The film ends with LaMotta preparing for a performance, reciting a passage from the film On the Waterfront, symbolizing his introspection and search for redemption.

The Conclusion

Themes of Redemption and Regret

Raging Bull ends on a somber note, highlighting themes of redemption, regret, and the destructive nature of unchecked anger and jealousy. LaMotta’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of one’s actions and the possibility of seeking forgiveness.

Movie Ending

Raging Bull concludes with Jake LaMotta’s reflection on his turbulent life, symbolizing his search for redemption. The film ends with him preparing for a nightclub performance, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst his continued struggle with his past.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Raging Bull.

Type of Movie

Raging Bull is a biographical sports drama that explores themes of ambition, self-destruction, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the boxing world.

Cast

Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta
Joe Pesci as Joey LaMotta
Cathy Moriarty as Vickie LaMotta
Frank Vincent as Salvy Batts
Nicholas Colasanto as Tommy Como

Film Music and Composer

The film features a score by Pietro Mascagni, particularly his piece Cavalleria rusticana, which adds to the film’s dramatic and emotional tone. The soundtrack also includes various period songs to enhance the setting.

Filming Locations

Raging Bull was filmed in various locations, including:

Los Angeles, California: For many of the boxing scenes.
New York City: For scenes depicting LaMotta’s personal life and career outside the ring.
Chicago, Illinois: For some of the fight scenes and exterior shots.

Awards and Nominations

Raging Bull received numerous prestigious awards, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Actor (Robert De Niro) and Best Film Editing. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci), Best Supporting Actress (Cathy Moriarty), Best Cinematography, and Best Sound.
Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actor (Robert De Niro), and Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci).
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Robert De Niro underwent significant physical transformation for the role, gaining approximately 60 pounds to portray the older LaMotta, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
The film’s black-and-white cinematography, chosen by Scorsese to differentiate it from other boxing films and for its stark visual impact, is considered a hallmark of the film’s style.
The intense fight scenes were meticulously choreographed and shot to convey the brutality and raw emotion of LaMotta’s boxing matches.

Inspirations and References

Raging Bull is based on Jake LaMotta’s autobiography Raging Bull: My Story. The film’s exploration of LaMotta’s life delves deeply into his personal and professional struggles, reflecting broader themes of ambition, redemption, and the impact of unchecked emotions.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Raging Bull closely follows the script by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is adapted from Jake LaMotta’s autobiography, but it takes creative liberties to dramatize his life story. The film focuses more on LaMotta’s internal struggles and relationships, while the book provides more detailed accounts of his boxing career and personal anecdotes.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Jake LaMotta’s brutal fights in the boxing ring.
The intense argument and fight between Jake and his brother Joey.
LaMotta’s solitary moments in his dressing room, reflecting on his life.
The scene where LaMotta is imprisoned and confronts his inner demons.

Iconic Quotes

“You never got me down, Ray.” – Jake LaMotta
“I’m the boss, I’m the boss, I’m the boss.” – Jake LaMotta
“I coulda been a contender.” – Jake LaMotta, quoting On the Waterfront

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of black-and-white film not only differentiates Raging Bull from other boxing movies but also adds a timeless, gritty aesthetic that enhances the film’s emotional impact.
The film includes subtle references to LaMotta’s real-life boxing matches and personal anecdotes, adding layers of authenticity to the story.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $18 million, and it grossed over $23 million worldwide.
The intense training and physical transformation required for the role of Jake LaMotta was one of the most significant examples of method acting, contributing to Robert De Niro’s reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Raging Bull was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Why Watch?

Raging Bull offers a raw and unflinching look at the life of Jake LaMotta, featuring one of Robert De Niro’s most powerful performances and masterful direction by Martin Scorsese. Its exploration of themes such as ambition, self-destruction, and redemption, combined with its striking cinematography and intense fight scenes, make it a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas and sports films.

Director’s Other Movies

Martin Scorsese also directed: