Not an Animal

In a couple of weeks we hit one of my favorite directors, Martin Scorsese. He is one of the most iconic directors of modern America, and whenever his name is uttered ears perk, and attentions focus. It is a shame we only get a total of five hours to experience Scorsese when he has such an extensive list of films, and award nominations to match. He has been described as a being not a Hollywood director, and I don’t think he would disagree. He doesn’t make films for Hollywood, they are more works of art for him to enjoy, and those who worked alongside him. After looking at the films to be viewed concerning this gentleman I was disappointed that I didn’t see one of his best on the list. One considered to be the best film of the eighties, and earned two academy awards. This film was Raging Bull. Although Scorsese did an amazing job, it wasn’t always his first choice to make. It took some persuading by its star Robert DeNiro, and a personal crisis for Scorsese to get involved.
This film is beautifully shot. Boxing had never been seen like this, and has never since. Scorsese put the camera in the action, up close and personal, using various montages of cuts, demonstrating the power and emotion that goes on during a fight. He also showed how this can leak into a boxer’s everyday life, making violence a staple of their diet. This film follows Jake La Motta through his boxing career, two wives, and to his overweight future: owner and operator of Jake La Motta’s, a restaurant. It is violent throughout and I love it. The fight scenes are spectacular shot with one camera based off Scorsese’s storyboards. One of the best additions to the film was the decision to shoot in black and white. It is beautiful and wouldn’t be the same movie in color. Scorsese is the rare director who actually deserves the caption “A Martin Scorsese Picture”. He has his hands in every aspect of the film making process, and his perfectionism shows. This is a pretty crude description so if you haven’t seen it, do, and check out Who’s That Knocking at My Door?, and Mean Streets.