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Raging Bull: Behind the Scenes
Introduction
Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” is a cinematic masterpiece that delves deep into the life of Jake LaMotta, offering a gritty and unflinching look at the personal and professional battles of one of boxing’s most controversial figures. With its stark black-and-white cinematography, masterful performances, and compelling narrative, “Raging Bull” has earned its place in the pantheon of great films. However, the journey of making this iconic film is as intriguing as the story it tells on screen. From the rigorous casting process and the intense training regimen of its lead actor to the numerous behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the making of “Raging Bull” is a tale of artistic integrity and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
The film’s title, “Raging Bull,” is a potent metaphor for LaMotta. The bull represents his raw, untamed aggression, which fuels his success in the ring and destroys his relationships outside of it. LaMotta’s inability to control this inner rage is a central theme of the film.
Raging Bull’s success was not just limited to critical acclaim; it also made a significant impact commercially, garnering numerous awards, including two Oscars for De Niro and Pesci. It has since been hailed as a masterpiece of American cinema, praised for its unflinching portrayal of violence, raw emotional power, and innovative visual style. The film’s legacy continues to resonate, inspiring filmmakers and actors and serving as a benchmark for cinematic excellence.
Summary of the Storyline
“Raging Bull” follows the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a middleweight boxer whose rage and aggression make him a formidable fighter in the ring but a troubled man outside of it. The film chronicles LaMotta’s rise to fame, his volatile relationship with his brother Joey (Joe Pesci), and his destructive marriage to Vickie (Cathy Moriarty). As LaMotta’s career progresses, his personal life spirals out of control, leading to self-destructive behaviors that ultimately culminate in his downfall. The film is a poignant exploration of violence, jealousy, and redemption framed within the visceral world of boxing.
Origin and Development of the Script
The origin and development of the script for “Raging Bull” is a fascinating journey marked by collaboration and dedication. The film is based on Jake LaMotta’s autobiography, “Raging Bull: My Story,” which was brought to the attention of Robert De Niro by LaMotta himself. De Niro was captivated by LaMotta’s raw and tumultuous life story and saw great potential for a film adaptation. He persuaded Martin Scorsese to take on the project, even though Scorsese initially had reservations due to his lack of interest in boxing.
The screenplay underwent numerous revisions and saw contributions from several talented writers. Mardik Martin, a close collaborator of Scorsese, was initially tasked with drafting the script. However, his version did not capture the depth of LaMotta’s complex character. Scorsese then brought in Paul Schrader, known for his intense and character-driven scripts. Schrader’s contributions significantly deepened the psychological aspects of LaMotta’s story, portraying him as a tragic figure trapped by his demons.
Scorsese and De Niro, along with Schrader, further refined the script. They spent considerable time with LaMotta, delving into his experiences and personality. This collaborative process ensured that the screenplay remained authentic to LaMotta’s life while achieving dramatic potency. The final script of ‘Raging Bull’ masterfully blends factual events with artistic interpretation, resulting in a powerful narrative that explores themes of violence, redemption, and the human condition. This intricate and collaborative process is a testament to the depth and complexity of the film’s creation.
Casting Decisions
The casting process for “Raging Bull” was meticulous and crucial to the film’s success. Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Jake LaMotta is often hailed as one of the most incredible performances in film history, and the journey to casting him in this role is a story worth telling.
Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta
De Niro’s dedication to bringing “Raging Bull” to life was unparalleled. He immersed himself in LaMotta’s autobiography, convincing Scorsese to direct the film. De Niro’s commitment to the role was extraordinary; he underwent extensive boxing training, even participating in three legitimate matches to understand the character’s psyche. His physical transformation for the film is legendary; De Niro gained about 60 pounds to play the older LaMotta, demonstrating his commitment to authenticity. This weight gain was not just for aesthetic purposes but to accurately depict LaMotta’s physical state during different periods of his life. De Niro’s dedication extended beyond the physical. He studied boxing footage, internalizing LaMotta’s fighting style and the raw aggression he brought to the ring. This translated into a hauntingly believable performance, capturing not just the physicality of a boxer but the simmering rage that fueled LaMotta’s every move.
De Niro’s performance as LaMotta is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. He inhabited the role entirely, capturing LaMotta’s swaggering machismo, simmering rage, and heartbreaking vulnerability. De Niro’s eyes, in particular, became a window into LaMotta’s soul, conveying a lifetime of emotional turmoil with a single glance.
Joe Pesci as Joey LaMotta
Finding the right actor to play Jake’s brother, Joey, was challenging. After an exhaustive search, De Niro recommended Joe Pesci, a relatively unknown actor. Pesci was working at an Italian restaurant and had almost quit acting when he got the call for “Raging Bull.” His raw and natural performance brought a sense of realism to the film, perfectly complementing De Niro’s intensity.
The chemistry between De Niro and Pesci was palpable and added depth to their on-screen relationship. Pesci’s portrayal of Joey was marked by a combination of loyalty and frustration, capturing the complexities of a brother who is both supportive and critical of Jake’s self-destructive tendencies. Pesci imbued Joey with a charm that masked a darker side, a cunning manipulator who ultimately betrays Jake’s trust. The chemistry between De Niro and Pesci crackled on screen, creating a complex and volatile brotherly bond.
Cathy Moriarty as Vickie LaMotta
The role of Vickie, Jake’s wife, required a blend of vulnerability and strength. Cathy Moriarty, a newcomer with no prior acting experience, was discovered by casting directors at a local nightclub. Her screen test was so compelling that she was cast almost immediately. Moriarty’s portrayal of Vickie is both haunting and powerful, capturing the complexities of being married to a man like Jake. Despite her lack of experience, Moriarty held her own against seasoned actors like De Niro and Pesci, delivering a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance. Her ability to convey a mixture of love, fear, and resilience made Vickie a memorable character in the film. She portrayed Vickie’s journey from a young and idealistic woman to a hardened survivor, clinging to love amidst LaMotta’s relentless abuse. Moriarty’s performance showcased both Vickie’s vulnerability and her unwavering resilience.
Other Key Roles
- Frank Vincent as Salvy: Vincent brought a menacing charm to the role of LaMotta’s rival, adding tension to the film’s narrative. Vincent and Pesci had worked together before, and their on-screen dynamic added an extra layer of authenticity to their confrontations.
- Nicholas Colasanto as Tommy Como: Colasanto’s portrayal of the mob-connected boxing promoter added an element of danger and intrigue to the story. His performance subtly underscored the pervasive influence of organized crime in the boxing world during that era.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
De Niro’s Physical Transformation: To portray the older LaMotta, De Niro gained 60 pounds, marking one of the most significant weight changes for an actor in a single film. This transformation took place over a four-month hiatus in filming, during which De Niro traveled to Italy and indulged in a high-calorie diet.
Boxing Training: De Niro trained with the real Jake LaMotta, who stated that De Niro was one of the best 20 middleweight boxers he had seen. LaMotta trained De Niro rigorously, and by the end of the training, De Niro was capable of competing in three professional boxing matches.
Scorsese’s Reluctance: Scorsese was initially reluctant to direct the film because he wasn’t a boxing fan, but De Niro persuaded him. At the time, Scorsese was recovering from a near-fatal drug overdose, and De Niro believed that the project could serve as a form of rehabilitation for the director.
Cinematography Choice: The film was shot in black-and-white to differentiate it from other boxing movies and to evoke the period it depicted. The decision also helped avoid the potential distractions of blood, making the violence more palatable while focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects.
Improvised Scenes: Many dialogue scenes between De Niro and Pesci were improvised, adding to the film’s authenticity. Scorsese encouraged the actors to organically explore their characters’ relationships, resulting in genuine, spontaneous interactions.
Method Acting: De Niro stayed in character even off-set, often referring to himself as Jake. His commitment extended to demanding real punches during the boxing scenes to ensure authenticity.
Oscar Win: De Niro won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, while Scorsese was nominated for Best Director. The film received eight nominations and won an Oscar for Best Film Editing.
Film Preservation: In 1990, the Library of Congress selected ” Raging Bull ” for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. The film is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Lost in Translation: The Italian dub of the film changes the line “You never got me down, Ray” (referring to Sugar Ray Robinson) to “You never beat me, middleweight,” altering the emotional weight of the scene.
LaMotta’s Cameo: Jake LaMotta appears as a bartender in the film. This cameo added a layer of authenticity and provided a poignant connection between the real LaMotta and his cinematic portrayal.
Real Fights: The boxing scenes were filmed uniquely, with De Niro and his opponents actually hitting each other. Scorsese used slow-motion and innovative camera techniques to capture the brutality and artistry of boxing.
Sound Effects: The punches’ sound effects were created using breaking vegetables and boxing recordings. This meticulous attention to sound design heightened the visceral impact of the fight scenes.
Real Locations: A good portion of the scenes were filmed on location in New York, adding to the film’s gritty realism. The production team chose locations that had remained unchanged since the 1940s to enhance the period’s authenticity.
Critical Reception: Although initially met with mixed reviews, the film is now regarded as one of Scorsese’s masterpieces. Its critical standing improved over time and is frequently cited in lists of the greatest films ever made.
Editing Process: The editing process took over two years, with Thelma Schoonmaker winning an Oscar for her work. Schoonmaker’s editing played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative structure and pacing.
Influence: The film has influenced numerous filmmakers and is often cited in lists of the greatest films ever made. Directors, including Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan, have praised its innovative storytelling and technical achievements.
Authenticity: LaMotta commended the film for accurately depicting his life despite some dramatization. He appreciated the film’s honest portrayal of his flaws and struggles.
Music: The film’s score includes classical music, particularly the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, which enhances its emotional impact. The music choices were deliberate, adding a sense of tragedy and grandeur to LaMotta’s story.
De Niro’s Dedication: De Niro broke a rib during filming but continued to shoot scenes. His commitment to maintaining character realism was unwavering, even at the cost of personal injury.
Pesci’s Career: Joe Pesci’s performance in “Raging Bull” revitalized his career, leading to numerous significant roles in the future. Pesci starred in other notable Scorsese films, such as “Goodfellas” and “Casino.”
LaMotta’s Redemption: After seeing the film, the real Jake LaMotta reportedly broke down in tears, realizing for the first time the extent of his abusive behavior.
Pesci’s Power Punch: Joe Pesci was a skilled amateur boxer adding authenticity to his fight scenes.
Goofs
Visible Crew: In one scene, a crew member can be seen in the reflection of a mirror in Jake’s dressing room. This accidental reflection breaks the immersion momentarily, revealing the behind-the-scenes crew.
Continuity Error: During one of the fight scenes, Jake’s gloves switch from red to black between shots. This inconsistency can be jarring for attentive viewers.
Anachronism: A modern-day car can be seen parked in the background during a street scene, distracting from the period setting.
Prop Error: In a 1940s-style scene, a 1970s-style telephone is visible. The presence of this telephone is anachronistic and breaks historical accuracy.
Mismatched Shots: The level of sweat on Jake’s face changes dramatically between shots during a fight scene. This continuity error is noticeable and can disrupt the flow of the scene.
Sound Sync: In a scene where Jake hits the wall, the sound does not match the impact. The audio-visual mismatch can be distracting.
Wardrobe Error: A boxer’s robe logo was designed in the 1970s. This error is anachronistic and detracts from the period’s authenticity.
Hair Length: Vickie’s hair length changes inconsistently within the same scene. This continuity issue can be noticeable and disrupt visual consistency.
Lighting: Shadows of the camera crew are visible during some of the fight scenes. These shadows can break the immersion and remind viewers of the film-making process.
Historical Inaccuracy: The film shows Jake watching a television broadcast in 1941, but regular TV broadcasts don’t start until later. This anachronism is a factual error that affects the film’s historical accuracy.
Conclusion
“Raging Bull” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the dedication of those who bring stories to life on the big screen. The film’s journey from page to screen is filled with fascinating anecdotes and remarkable trivia that underscore its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or a casual viewer, the behind-the-scenes stories of “Raging Bull” offer a deeper appreciation for this classic.
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