Film and TV Language: Editing Blog Task

Raging Bull - Raging Bull (4/12) Movie CLIP - Jake Defeats Sugar Ray (1980) HD - YouTube

By Bradley

Raging Bull is a 1980 American biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, an Italian American middleweight boxer whose struggles with violence and infidelity ultimately lead to his downfall. One of the most critically acclaimed films of its time, Raging Bull has been praised for its raw, unflinching portrayal of LaMotta's life, as well as its incredible performances and technical prowess. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of Scorsese's most highly regarded works. 


One of the key aspects of Raging Bull that has garnered attention from both audiences and critics alike is the film's extensive use of edits. The film's editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, won an Academy Award for her work on the film, and she has been closely associated with Scorsese throughout her career. Throughout the film, Scorsese employs a variety of different editing techniques, each of which serves to enhance the story and deepen our understanding of the characters. Throughout the film, Scorsese employs a number of different editing techniques to create a sense of tension and to illustrate LaMotta's mental state 


One of the most prominent editing techniques used in Raging Bull is the use of montages. Montages are a series of short shots or scenes that are edited together to create a single, cohesive sequence. In Raging Bull, montages are used to depict the intense, gruelling training sessions that LaMotta undergoes in preparation for his fights. These montages are edited together in a fast-paced, frenetic manner, conveying the physical and mental strain that LaMotta experiences as he pushes himself to the limit. 


The editing in Raging Bull is particularly noteworthy for its use of flashbacks, which are employed to great effect to provide insight into the troubled inner life of Jake LaMotta. The film opens with a series of flashbacks to LaMotta's early days as a boxer, which are intercut with scenes of him performing in a nightclub in his later years. These flashbacks help to establish the character of LaMotta and provide context for the events of the film. 


Another editing technique that is frequently used in Raging Bull is the use of cross-cutting. Crosscutting involves alternating between two or more parallel actions or events in order to create a sense of tension or excitement. In Raging Bull, Scorsese uses cross-cutting to juxtapose LaMotta's boxing matches with his tumultuous personal life. For example, in one scene, we see LaMotta in the ring, furiously trading blows with his opponent, while in another, we see him at home, arguing with his wife and losing control of his emotions. By cutting back and forth between these two parallel actions, Scorsese creates a sense of tension and heightens the drama of the scene. 


Another notable editing technique used in Raging Bull is the use of slow motion. Slow motion is a technique in which the film is played back at a slower speed than it was originally shot, resulting in a more leisurely, dreamlike effect. In Raging Bull, slow motion is used to emphasize the violence and brutality of LaMotta's fights. For example, in one scene, we see LaMotta land a particularly brutal punch on his opponent, and the slow motion makes the impact feel all the more devastating. In this way, slow motion helps to convey the physical toll that LaMotta's career takes on him and his opponents.  


The use of close-ups is another key element of the editing in Raging Bull. Scorsese uses close-ups extensively throughout the film to bring the audience closer to the characters and their emotions. This is particularly effective in the scenes where LaMotta is grappling with his personal demons and struggling to come to terms with his own destructive behaviour. 


Overall, the extensive use of edits in Raging Bull helps to create a highly atmospheric and immersive viewing experience. By employing a variety of different editing techniques, Scorsese is able to deepen our understanding of the characters and their motivations, and to create a powerful, emotionally charged narrative and is able to create a powerful and emotionally charged narrative that effectively conveys the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta. The editing helps to bring the audience into LaMotta's world, allowing them to experience the highs and lows of his career and to understand the forces that ultimately lead to his downfall. As such, the edits in Raging Bull are an essential element of the film's success, and a testament to Scorsese's skill as a filmmaker. I would recommend watching this great film.

Comments