Raging Bull

This Thursday, TBT is launching 'Block Cinema', a monthly community screening of some great films. The first film in the line up is Martin Scorsese's classic 'Raging Bull'. This is a tremendous movie that anyone with an interest in cinema should see.

You should go along to 'Block Cinema' because:

- The idea of a community cinema is very cool. It's a fun way to be a part of something Hobarty.

- 'Raging Bull' features (or perhaps, stands on the shoulders of) one of the greatest acting performances of all time by Robert De Niro. The way he gets into this character is quite frightening. He trained as a boxer and became mega-buff, then he ate like Elvis and became a total chubster for the later scenes. And that's only the physical stuff. It's such a complex and emotional performance, one that leaves barely any trace of the actor Robert De Niro behind.

- This film might be about a boxer but it's not really about boxing. It's about obsession, jealousy, masculinity, aggression, violence, relationships, trust. The themes are important and dealt with in a confronting manner through this horrible character that you can't help but despise for most of the film.

- Cinematically, the film is packed with great stuff. The editing is awesome, the camera is used perfectly, the placement and choice of music is very clever, and the decision to film in black and white was a risk that paid off. The boxing scenes are brutal and actually make you feel like you've been punched in the head a few times; they give what I can only guess would be a realistic view of being in the ring of a boxing tournament.

- This film unearthed Joe Pesci as an actor worth watching. He was excellent in this, and went on to star in other Scorsese classics like 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino'. He was also in the 'Home Alone' films. I'm not sure what to feel about them.

- There are many cool stories about the making of this film. Robert De Niro actually competed officially, as a boxer, during his training, and won a couple of matches! Martin Scorsese has said that De Niro's insistence on him directing this film, saved his life as it distracted him from drugs. Scorsese told De Niro to alter the script in order to get a more surprised reaction from Joe Pesci in one particular scene ("you f***ed my wife?!"). They used chocolate for blood.

'Block Cinema'
Thursday 30th April
South Hobart Community Centre
8pm
and it's FREE