2.Raging Bull
One of the hardest decisions I have had to make; placing Raging Bull second on any list, let alone this one. Arguably Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niros greatest collaboration; arguably the greatest performance by an actor; arguably the biggest injustice in Oscar history that it lost out to Ordinary People (respect and love it though I do, Raging is superior) and arguably the final movie to come out of the New Hollywood/ American New Wave era. The film follows the turbulent career and life of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta possibly the most deplorable protagonist ever to grace the silver screen. Under the tutelage of his younger brother Joey (Joe Pescis breakout role) LaMotta rises to champion, but allows his pride to work with the Mafia, insecurity about his young wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty) and all round selfishness bring about his downfall. There is so much to admire and love about Raging Bull; the decision to shoot in black and white, Thelma Schoonmakers marvellous editing; Scorseses depiction of New York, the way the film gives us an un-likable protagonist and the fact it deviated from the Rocky and sports movies of the time formula and didnt end the movie with a boxing match. But my favourite three elements are the distinction that Scorsese gives to each boxing match to cleverly reflect Jakes mindset, De Niros transformation physically and his performance with Pesci, particularly the Did you Fuck my Wife scene.