'Bull' rages again at the Michigan

Courtesy of Universal Robert DeNiro won an Academy Award for his role as Jake in the film "Raging Bull." The movie will run this weekend at the Michigan Theater.

"Raging Bull," one of acclaimed director Martin Scorsese's master pieces, returns to the big screen tomorrow and Sunday, as part of the 20 Fabulous Films series at the Michigan Theater.

The film, based on a true story, follows boxer Jake LaMotta through his peaks and valleys as a professional and a person. Robert DeNiro, who plays LaMotta, went to incredible extremes for the his Acad-emy Award- winning role, first by training and working his body into the shape of a professional fighter, and then by packing on more than 50 pounds for the film's final scenes.

LaMotta was known not for his grace or elegance in the ring, but rather for his ability to take a punch. One of the film's best scenes involves a bloodied and battered LaMotta telling Sugar Ray Robinson (Johnny Barnes) "You didn't get me down Ray." LaMotta takes such pride in this, the fact that he has been beaten to a pulp seems almost insignificant to him.

In the film, Scorsese shoots a great deal of the boxing matches from the perspective of the boxers, giving "Raging Bull" an in-your- face realism that few other sports films have been able to accomplish. Audience members are literally thrown into the trenches to watch as the participants go to war.

The film also marks the first significant role for screen veteran Joe Pesci, who plays Jake's brother Joey. Scorsese must have been happy with the results, as he later cast Pesci alongside DeNiro in "Goodfellas" and "Casino." Pesci was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor for his work in "Raging Bull," as was Cathy Moriarty for her role as Jake's troubled wife.

"Raging Bull" was recently placed on the American Film Institute's Top 100 Movies of All Time List, and although it failed to collect an Academy Award for Best Picture, its place in film history is firmly cemented.

The big screen elevates the black and white film to a whole new level on the big screen, allowing audiences more of an opportunity to appreciate the scope of the shots and Michael Chapman's breathtaking cinematography.

Simply put, "Raging Bull" is some of Scorsese's work and movie fans should take advantage of the opportunity to see the film the way it was meant to be seen.

09-11-98