16 March 2010

WWQTW?: Raging Bull

ARCHIVE

Last night was the first meeting of WWQTW movie club and it was a complete success! We enjoyed an intimate movie watching experience with 5 (plus me) ladies. For future reference, planning a movie night so close to the St. Patrick's Day celebrations was probably not a great idea. Oh well, you live and learn! I couldn't be more pleased with how everything turned out. Everyone was enraptured by the movie and the dialogue following was insightful and revealing. "He makes you pay attention...[afraid you'll] miss something", says Word-of-the-Day Jennie.

If you haven't seen "Raging Bull", here's the 411:

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring his frequent collaborator Robert DeNiro, it tells the true story of Jake LaMotta; rising boxing star from the Bronx. The movie co-stars Cathy Moriarty (her first film!) and Joe Pesci (his 2nd!). Shot in beautifully black and white by Michael Chapman (DP on over 45 movies) and edited by Thelma Shoonmaker (go lady! She has been Scorsese's editor ever since). It was nominated for 9 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and best Supporting Actor and Actress. It won for Best Editing and Best Actor. It was nominated for 4 BAFTA's and won Best Editing and Outstanding Newcomer-Male for Pesci. It was nominated for 7 Golden Globes and won for Best Actor. At the time, no one would have predicted it would now be named the 4th most important film in history by AFI.

This acclaim surprised no one more than the director himself. Having come off a loss ("New York, New York" aslo with DeNiro), Scorsese believed this film might be his last. In reality, it cemented his legacy as a prolific American filmmaker, the visual style for which he would become known, and influenced generations to follow.

What I love most about the film, is the relationship between DeNiro and Pesci. Few could argue that their brotherly report is bordering on documentary. In particular, I direct you to a scene at the beginning of the movie when Pesci breaks up a fight between LaMotta and his then wife. Their conversation at the breakfast table is stable and even keeled, even as they get heated at each other. The scene closes with DeNiro ribbing Pesci into hitting him. It also draws a direct reference to "on the Waterfront", a movie quoted at the end of the film. My friend Steph Too said it best, "You want them to get their heads out of their asses! You're killing me!". This struck me as especially funny seeing as she is the only mother in our group.

As I mentioned earlier, the film is shot in black and white. There doesn't seem to be any concrete reason why, however there is speculation galore! Scorsese has been quoted as saying it was because he was not satisfied with the quality of color film stock at the time. This makes sense- just look at other films from the last 70's/early 80's. Many seem dated, while "Raging Bull" is timeless. Other's believe it was to separate the film from another recently released- "Rocky"(1976). Other's involved with the making of the film say it was in direct reference to boxing movies from the time (40's-50's). Steph Too also pointed out the transitional editing, particularly how "the scene opens fuzzy, then become very crisp". The camera shots and editing were revolutionary at the time, but seem so common place to us now. During fight scenes, the speed slows down when there is contact between boxers allowing us to see the fight in all it's sweaty and bloody glory. At other times it speeds up, shooting the action from below, their gloves raging over the lens- we can't escape the punches any more than the other boxer.

Suggested Viewing: "On the Waterfront", anything by Scorsese particularly "Taxi Driver" and "Casino", "Rocky", "Rocky Marciano", and documentary "Easy Riders and Raging Bulls"

23 comments:

  1. Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this web site needs far more attention.
    I'll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
    Take a look at my web page :: free teen porn

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm gone to say to my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this blog on regular basis to take updated from latest information.
    Visit my weblog :: nude girls porn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing
    many months of hard work due to no back up.

    Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
    Visit my page ... click through the next page

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
    Feel free to surf my web page : http://www.xxxvideofix.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I couldn't resist commenting. Very well written!
    my website - teen sex videos

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm extremely inspired along with your writing talents as neatly as with the layout to your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer a great blog like this one today..
    Look into my web site : hookah in Orlando fl

    ReplyDelete
  7. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ideal on the internet blogshop for
    wholesale & quantity korean add-ons, earrings, earstuds,
    locket, rings, trinket, bangle & hair accessories.
    Offer 35 % wholesale rebate. Ship Worldwide
    Also visit my web site ... jeux d'entraînement cérébral

    ReplyDelete
  8. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei best on-line blogshop for wholesale
    & quantity korean add-ons, accessories, earstuds, necklace,
    rings, hair, trinket & bracelet add-ons. Deal 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
    Also visit my web site :: treinamento cerebral

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have fun with, result in I discovered exactly what
    I was having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
    Also see my site :: free ps3 games

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is
    a really well written article. I'll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely comeback.
    Here is my web site ... Luis Souto ecommerce projects handled recambios nauticos

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
    There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you

    Stop by my blog post :: grand-jewelry

    ReplyDelete
  12. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a
    sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never
    wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!


    Also visit my web blog shooting games

    ReplyDelete
  13. May I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who genuinely understands what they
    are discussing on the web. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people must look at this and understand this side of your story.
    I can't believe you're not more popular given that
    you most certainly have the gift.

    Here is my website cool math games for kids
    Also see my website > starfall games

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this web site on regular basis to obtain updated from most up-to-date news.

    My site ... gauba
    Also see my site > nikon digital camera

    ReplyDelete
  15. Every weekend i used to go to see this website, as
    i want enjoyment, as this this site conations actually good funny material too.


    Also visit my web site electrician katy tx.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I was able to find good advice from your articles.


    Visit my homepage: electrician katy tx.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Keep this going please, great job!

    My page ... Mehran Muslimi Tips 2013 Android Devices

    ReplyDelete
  18. I feel that is one of the so much vital info for me.
    And i'm glad studying your article. However should remark on few basic issues, The site style is wonderful, the articles is truly nice : D. Just right task, cheers

    Look into my page - safe music downloads for free

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey very interesting blog!

    Here is my weblog - torrent movie downloads

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous02 June, 2013

    After exploring a number of the articles on your web site, I truly like your technique of writing a blog.
    I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please visit my website too and tell me your
    opinion.

    Also visit my weblog sexygirlchat.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. you will be provided with eye drops and area around reading glasses your eyes will be washed properly
    http://www.finestglasses.com/reading-glasses.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. Imagine a beautiful room that draws gasps of appreciation when people enter the room. If you are thinking of your living room, adjust your perspective and take a mental walk to your shower http://www.plumpinguk.co.uk/showers.html. A shower has endless possibilities to make a statement and ensure an invigorating wash every day.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Automatic taps also called "hands-free" taps. Some of them needs batteries. Choosing a automatic tap for your bathroom or kitchen can let your house more comfortable. It also can solve water and power.Find Cheap Automatic Taps at http://www.cheaptap.co.uk/automatic-taps-c-2.html Online Store, Well designed free hands antomatic taps sale with large discounts and fast shipping.

    ReplyDelete