Exploring the rise and fall of Italian-American boxer Jake La Motta, Robert De Niro stars in this intriguing and full-on re-telling of the man’s life. Much like La Motta’s career, the film starts off well and full of promise, until it succumbs to the weight of expectation and an over-zealous sense of complacency.
De Niro stars alongside Joe Pesci (Goodfellas, Home Alone), who once again shines in a role which requires aggression, wit and a brilliant intensity almost unrivalled in Hollywood. Lighting, sound and choice of shots throughout the various bouts really bring to attention the dramatic and physical nature of the enthralling encounters throughout La Motta’s career. Full-blooded fights are detailed in grim nature, and the torment endured is clear for the audience to see, with De Niro really taking on the role exceptionally well.
The real problems appear as La Motta is charged with improper conduct and is later jailed for indecent activity. His behaviour is well conveyed as he begins to lose the will to live, becoming frustrated with a life in which he is hated by so many. De Niro’s commitment to putting on weight for the role clearly reinforces his ability to undertake the horrific processes experienced by La Motta, a man who knew his career was over but needed to remain within the spotlight. The film does begin to waiver by this point and it suffers as such, as character development is less focussed upon, though as a reflection of La Motta’s life, the latter sections feel unnatural and scenes feel rough around the edges.
Taken as a whole, the film is very much a mixture of brilliance, but also bitty and less riveting as the latter stages move into view. De Niro and Pesci’s performances, however, are exceptional and the film is able to shake off the low points, and really packs a punch when it really matters.
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