Manoogian, Scorsese's mentor at NYU who helped him discover the power of film.

Instead, it serves as a dedication to Haig P. It does not signify that Jake has found redemption and recognized his faults. He is not ready to face the consequences of his own actions. 'All I know is this: once I was blind and now I can see.' 'Whether or not he is a sinner, I do not know,' the man replied. So, for the second time, summoned the man who had been blind and said: The end title card features a Biblical quote from John 9.25 that reads: Jake cannot face the truth that he destroyed his relationships with his own barbaric anger.

Ironically, when facing his reflection, Jake cannot see himself for who he really is all he can see is his own self-delusion that the entire world is against him. In 'Raging Bull,' the mirror signifies how Jake is his own worst enemy. At the end of the scene, he knocks Vickie unconscious. This rumble causes Jake and Joey's years-long estrangement.Īs he does in many of his films, Scorsese uses the mirror as a compelling dramatic device. He walks to Joey's house with Vickie trailing behind and interrupts his brother's family meal to viciously attack him in front of his wife and children. In a chaotic and terrifying scene, the abusive Jake pummels his wife with a determined fury, even breaking the bathroom door to get to her. A scuffle involving Vickie at the Copacabana with Salvy Betts (Frank Vincent), Jake's friend with mafia connections, and Jake's brother and boxing manager Joey (Joe Pesci), leads Jake to brutally interrogate Vickie about having an affair with his brother. He ends up annihilating his most important relationships with his brother and his wife. Jake constantly worries that his wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty) is having an affair with other men, including his next opponent Tony Janiro. Jake channels his savage energy into the ring and becomes a reigning champion, but it is not enough to keep his deep-seated insecurities from boiling over into his life.

Raging bull the film