MovieChat Forums > This Sporting Life (1963) Discussion > The original 'Raging Bull'?

The original 'Raging Bull'?

posted 15 years ago by toddrutt
3 replies | jump to latest

After I watched "This Sporting Life" it seemed to me that Scorsese stole from it significantly when he made "Raging Bull". It especially seems clear in the scenes between Harris and his "patrons", which were much like the scenes with Jake LaMotta and his mob bosses. The Harris character - inarticulate, brutish and only fully alive when on the field - also seemed like an obvious precursor to the LaMotta character, and the major plot of his obsession with a woman was similar too (with significant differences of course). Scorsese is a notorious directorial thief and a fan of British cinema so this seems likely. Does anyone else see this?

[–] lschwartz106 15 years ago

I agree with you that Frank shares a certain butishness volatile temperament with Jake and that yes, his attitude to his employers bears a certain similarity to Jake's toward the Mob. However, that's where the similarity ends. Frank has a certain feel for people and is looking for a genuine connection with Rachel Roberts' character. He is at bottom, lonely. He also has sensitivity to Roberts' children. I think he is loooking for a family, hence his naming the scout Dadd. Jake LaMotta is a paranoid socio-path who alienates everyone around him. There are no redeeming qualities about Jake except his love for his brother and his dedication to boxing.

[–] Ironman54 14 years ago

Haven't you overlooked one MAJOR detail ?? 'Raging Bull' was based on the life/account of Jake LaMotta so who was taking from who ?? Much of LaMottas life was an open book, especially in the boxing world. What was Marty to do ?

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

good point.

Veneration of Mark Twain is one of the roots of our current intellectual stalemate