Raging Bull (Scorsese's Story)

                        

    In order to separate this film from other boxing films, like Rocky (1976), he shows the deeper motivations and flaws of human character. The main character of this film is incredibly flawed, abusive, and difficult to sympathize with, but Scorsese is able to flesh out this character and show that film does not necessarily need to show a hero or redeemed individual. This story is not about boxing, it is about a self-destructive and angry man that can not focus on anything other than his jealousy and his sexual insecurities. In many ways, it makes this film difficult to watch, but it also makes the film much more intriguing than other films at the time.

    Learning of Martin Scorsese's own struggles with addiction and depression prior to the creation of this film puts everything in a different perspective. It is easy to say that this movie is about an angry man who is also a boxer, but that is the point. Jake LaMotta (Robert Deniro) is a destructive person, inside and outside the ring, and that is the focus of this film. He is not supposed to be sympathized with, but it is somewhat impossible not to root for this man's redemption.  Hollywood Reporter even stated that this film was "probably the most unromanticized movie biography ever produced in Hollywood." This film is not meant to be like other biographies, it is meant to show the flaws and shortcomings of this man. If a man like this could be redeemed, then the same could happen for Scorsese. It is evident that Scorsese pulls much of the emotion and frustration from his own experiences. LaMotta is self-destructive and pushes away those who are trying to help him. He lets his emotions, mainly anger, get the best of him. Scorsese is able to show this through the use of his own experiences as well as the experiences of the real Jake LaMotta. This film is not necessarily supposed to be an inspirational story like Rocky or The Greatest. It is supposed to show the true emotions of a struggling man.

    In Scorsese's interview with Jim Leach, he explains his style choices and his inspirations for his films, and it his past and upbringing truly show in each of his films. From his choice of angles to the settings, everything has a greater meaning and ties to his background. He explains how he takes pride and inspiration in the art he grew up around in New York. The movies he grew up with also play a large role in his films. He places his own tone into these films, and it is obvious within this film as well. His ability to take inspiration from his own experiences is what makes these films incredible and inspiring.

-SofiaTalksFilm