Ep 301: Reviewing “Raging Bull" (1980) An American Tragedy and the Best Film Editing Of All Time

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into the cinematic brilliance of Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull” (1980), a film often hailed as the best-edited movie of all time. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Cathy Moriarty, this compelling American tragedy chronicles the tumultuous life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose fierce rage propels him to success in the ring but ultimately leads to his personal downfall. Laura and Stephen explore the black-and-white character study of LaMotta, examining the film's themes of toxic masculinity, self-destruction, and the haunting beauty of its editing. With a mix of insightful analysis and humor, they dissect the film's operatic structure, the raw performances, and the impact of Thelma Schoonmaker's editing that elevates the boxing sequences to a visceral art form. Join them as they unpack the layers of "Raging Bull," a film that serves as both a cautionary tale and a profound exploration of the human condition.00:00 Introduction to "Raging Bull"01:30 Overview of the film's premise and themes04:00 Discussion on Robert De Niro's portrayal of Jake LaMotta08:00 Insights on the editing techniques used in the film12:00 Exploration of the character dynamics between LaMotta and his brother16:00 Analysis of the film's commentary on toxic masculinity20:00 The significance of Cathy Moriarty's character, Vicky24:00 The operatic structure of the film and its emotional impact28:00 Reflections on the boxing scenes and their artistry32:00 Final thoughts on the film's legacy and moral lessons36:00 Conclusion and upcoming Oscar coverageFor more Laura and Stephen, follow us at @middaymoviespod, @umbrellapodcastcollective, and @facehuggersandfriendspodWe want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook LinktreeCheck out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers, and more!