Raging Bull (1980 Martin Scorsese)

1980. Scorsese. Schoonmaker. Chapman. He's at it again, what with his tracking camera and French moves. Actually the contrast in the black and white photography made me think of Italian films.

But where's the big punch up between De Niro and Pesci (his best film) which causes their alienation? Oh yeay there it is at 1:31. And he knocks out his wife Cathy Moriarty, who must have severely regretted marrying the guy.

It wasn't as upsetting as I first found it, and the variously handled ring scenes are splendidly shot and edited. Quite why it featured so high in critics' top tens though I'm still not sure - it's one of those films which isn't very enjoyable and you don't want to watch too often... maybe that's why.

Written by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin. Its recreations of 40s and 50s New York are marvellous.