Raging Bull premiered in New York City on November 14, 1980, and hit theaters nationwide on December 19, 1980. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, this powerful biographical drama took audiences into the brutal life of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta. The film, known for its intense portrayal of LaMotta’s personal and professional battles, is often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time.
Plot in a Nutshell
Raging Bull follows the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta (De Niro), a boxer with a fierce talent in the ring but an uncontrollable temper outside of it. As LaMotta’s career rises, his personal life crumbles under the weight of his jealousy, paranoia, and violence—alienating his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) and wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty). LaMotta’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy, as he is consumed by his inner demons.
Shot in stark black-and-white, the film showcases LaMotta’s brutal boxing matches while also exploring the psychological torment behind his downfall.
Why It Was Totally Rad
Robert De Niro’s commitment to the role is nothing short of legendary. He not only transformed himself physically—gaining 60 pounds to portray LaMotta in his later years—but also trained with LaMotta himself to accurately portray the boxing scenes. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor and remains one of his most iconic roles.
Scorsese’s directing, combined with Thelma Schoonmaker’s precise editing, made Raging Bull a technical and emotional masterpiece. The boxing scenes were both brutal and artistic, offering a raw look at the life of a man driven by rage.
Gnarly Nuggets:
- Premiere and Release: Raging Bull premiered in NYC on November 14, 1980, and was released to theaters on December 19, 1980.
- De Niro’s Intense Training: To prepare for the role, Robert De Niro trained with Jake LaMotta himself, even winning two out of three real boxing matches.
- Oscar Controversy: Despite its critical acclaim, Raging Bull lost the Best Picture Oscar to Ordinary People at the 1981 Academy Awards, a decision still debated by film fans today.