Raging Bull - A+

After watching Funny Farm, it seemed appropriate to bring it down a little with one of my top 5 movies of all time, Raging Bull. Robert DeNiro plays Jake La Motta, a Bronx boxer from the 40's and 50's, in this unflinching look at, among other things, the male psyche. This viewing I was especially affected by the theme music, Intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana," as it tracks the emotional arc of the film. Notable in the film is the lack of any portrayal or reference to La Motta's upbringing, although its implications are in plain view throughout.

Stunning visuals, breathtaking performances, and a pitch perfect score combine to make this a work of art. Some interesting notes: Because of the critical and commercial failure of his previous movie (New York, New York) and a serious cocaine addiction that he had only recently overcome prior to making the film, Scorsese was convinced that he would never make another movie and, therefore, he put his heart and soul into making Raging Bull the best film he could; upon its release in 1980 its cinematography and editing were universally praised, some saw the film as an empty exercise in style; it was made on a budget of $18 million USD to film and promote and grossed $40 million. Raging Bull lost Best Picture to Ordinary People.