10 Best Opening Scenes In Martin Scorsese Films

Raging Bull could well be Martin Scorsese’s cinematic masterpiece.

Despite the commercial and critical disappointment of Scorsese’s only musical film New York, New York (1977), the picture continued to develop the strong working relationship between the filmmaker and Robert De Niro.

In Raging Bull, the two returned to the gritty and psychological drama stylings that made Taxi Driver such a classic. Based on the life of boxer Jake LaMotta, the film is more about the human psyche than the sport of boxing. Filmed entirely in black and white, Raging Bull’s brilliant aesthetic is further enhanced by the legendary cinematography of the late Michael Chapman.

Technically, the ring title sequence should not be recognised as Raging Bull’s opening scene, as generally the opening credits in films are intended to recognise the important people both in and behind the production. However, in Raging Bull, Scorsese provides audiences with a majestic and moving title sequence that actually has some relevancy to the tragic private life of the movie’s main protagonist.

Alone in the ring as classical music plays, LaMotta is seen preparing for a fight; a fight which many interpret as a battle with his greatest rival, himself.

Whilst the sequence is fairly simplistic, for two entire minutes audiences are mesmerised by the stunning aesthetic that has made Raging Bull one of the best films of all time.