How Scorsese’s "Raging Bull" editing brings out the psychological states of De Niro

In the opening sequence of Raging Bull , Scorsese (1980) introduces the audience to a scene where De Niro’s changing physical appearance is changing. De Niro is being transformed from slim figure into progressively higher weights. This transformation is achieved through the use of makeups and doubles, an editing technique that would enable De Niro to put up weight that was necessary for optimal performance in the boxing ring. In the same sequence, the editor, Schoonmaker, employs splicing editing technique to give the wedding scene a black and white feeling. Scorsese recreated wedding scenes from LaMotta’s home films that were in color and splice it to remove color from the scene. Similarly, Scorsese edited the large boxing ring from LaMotta to come up with several regular sized rings to reflect different psychological states. Animal sounds were fixed on the background of the scene to give an impression of chaos and energy. 

The overall structure and aim of editing in Scorsese’s Raging Bull was to bring out the psychological states of De Niro in different scenes. In the opening sequence, LaMotta is seen shadowboxing and is movement is gradually slowed down before the edited muscular De Niro appears in the ring with an opponent (Scorsese, 1980). Essentially, Schoonmaker puts together shots sourced from various angles on Jake LaMotta’s face at the level where the punches land with sharp, quick, and short transitions. Consequently, the film sequences are accorded a kinetic ferocity that places the audience direct to the ring. Equally notably, the film’s editing brings out the theme of brutality, both physical and psychological, involved boxing matches, especially after suffering a loss in a competition. When De Niro is winning, editing involved cameras moving around the ring with ease and when a defeat is imminent, De Niro’s working environment is made to be nightmarish and claustrophobic. 

Reference 

Scorsese, M. (1980). Raging Bull. YouTube, Accessed on 19 April 2020, via Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZe19R9mHPY