Why Is Raging Bull So Important To Robert De Niro's Performance?

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1) It is no surprise, Raging Bull and Robert De Niro's performance is hailed as one of the greatest. Interestingly, I never saw this film in the 1980’s when it came out. Martin Scorsese, does an incredible job using cinematography techniques such as, slow motion,point of view shots and black and white high contrast lighting. He also infuses strange sounds during the fight scenes. I loved this movie! Robert Di Niro transforms himself into the character Jake La Motta, while we, the audience, delves into Jake the prize fighter's, psyche. We experience his emotions and life through Jake’s eyes. Di Niro captures the essence of Jake La Motta.The use of black and white cinematography made it appear to period authentic. There was no color TV in the day and many of us remember watching prize fights in black and white. Scorsese's use of slow motion shots, help to convey the emotionality of the scene. This was most notably apparent in the fight scenes and the scenes that portray his jealousy towards Vicki. This use of slow motion helps capture the emotion felt by the …show more content…

In the 1950’s and 60’s there was no color TV and that is how we were accustomed to watching prize fights. Using high contrast lighting Scorsese allows us to focus on what is highlighted and obscure our view of the darkened shaded areas. An example of this is the scene of Vickie in the pool. The light shines on her, showcasing her beautiful face,platinum hair and uses slow motion and zoom to focus in on her sexy legs gently kicking in the water. It draws our attention to her in the same way Jake is staring at her lustily taking in her beauty. Throughout the film I felt Vicki was always portrayed light and brighter giving us the idea she is the one good thing in Jake’s life. In the fight scenes , the high contrast lighting focuses our attention on Jake. The crowd is always shown darker and more

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