Legendary actor Robert De Niro has spoken candidly about his reservations over the success of his iconic film 'Raging Bull', which earned him a second Oscar nomination. In a recent interview, De Niro revealed that he had doubts about the film's box office prospects, citing the challenging production and the uncertain audience response.
'Raging Bull', directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical drama that tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life. De Niro's portrayal of LaMotta earned him widespread critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actor at the 81st Academy Awards.
De Niro's doubts over the film's success are a testament to the risks taken by Scorsese and the cast during the production. The film's production was marked by De Niro's intense preparation and physical transformation into the role of LaMotta, which included a significant weight gain. The film's uncertain box office prospects were also a concern, given the film's challenging subject matter and the risk of alienating audiences.
Despite De Niro's doubts, 'Raging Bull' went on to become a critical and commercial success, grossing over $23 million at the box office and cementing its place as a classic of American cinema. The film's success also marked a turning point in De Niro's career, establishing him as a leading man and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest actors of all time.
Today, 'Raging Bull' is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and its influence can still be seen in many modern films and television shows. The film's success also paved the way for Scorsese's subsequent collaborations with De Niro, including 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino', which cemented their reputation as one of the greatest director-actor duos in cinema history.
'Raging Bull' is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and the Criterion Channel in the UK, and is also available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.