
In 1941, LaMotta is in a major boxing match against Jimmy Reeves, where he received his first loss. In a brief scene in 1964, an aging, overweight Italian American, Jake LaMotta, practices a comedy routine. 4.4.1 American Film Institute recognition.In 1990, it became the first film to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in its first year of eligibility. Scorsese was exacting in the process of editing and mixing the film, expecting it to be his last major feature.ĭespite receiving mixed initial reviews (and criticism due to its violent content), it went on to garner a high critical reputation, and is now often considered Scorsese's magnum opus and one of the greatest films ever made.

During principal photography, each of the boxing scenes was choreographed for a specific visual style and De Niro gained approximately 60 pounds (27 kg) to portray LaMotta in his later post-boxing years.

Pesci was an unknown actor prior to the film, as was Moriarty, who was suggested for her role by Pesci. Schrader re-wrote Martin's first screenplay, and Scorsese and De Niro together made uncredited contributions thereafter. Scorsese was initially reluctant to develop the project, though he eventually came to relate to LaMotta's story. The film features supporting roles from Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana and Frank Vincent. Also featured in the film are Joe Pesci as Joey, LaMotta's well-intentioned brother and manager who tries to help Jake battle his inner demons, and Cathy Moriarty as his wife. It stars Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, an Italian American middleweight boxer whose self-destructive and obsessive rage, sexual jealousy, and animalistic appetite destroyed his relationship with his wife and family.

Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.Raging Bull is a 1980 American biographical black-and-white sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, produced by Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler and adapted by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin from Jake LaMotta's memoir Raging Bull: My Story.

Arthur wears two masks - the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he's part of the world around him. Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City.
