In the early twentieth century, editing was born in the form of "cutting to continuity". Instead of films being essentially one long single take, filmakers were now able to edit several shots while keeping the action continuous. Even with the introduction of editing in the filmmaking world, the medium of film still could not appropriately portray reality. The best known critic of early editing was Andre Bazin. Bazin had three main tenets that I would like to point out, as well as relate these tenets with the film "Raging Bull".
Though not a filmmaker himself, Bazin took interest in writing about film to share his views and opinions. While Bazin respected the popular form of editing in that time, he believed that editing could destroy the viewers experience. He believed that the current form of editing was not properly utilizing the medium. Bazin believed that film could display reality in a number of different ways. Bazin's ideal display of reality would be a form of editing that allows the observer to be ambiguous. The film should not feel as if the actors are displaying their performances for the camera, rather the camera should simply act as a patient observer. In "Raging Bull", the filmmakers use this style of filming and editing. The shots are long and patient, giving the film a realistic feeling.
Bazin also believed that the distortions used in formalist techniques destroy the complexities of reality. He criticized montages because it makes reality seem more simplistic. It did not reflect the complexities of reality. He believed that filmmakers of his time were being too manipulative, as if they were trying to create their own reality. Reality needs to exist within the walls of the frames, the film has to simply capture this reality. In "Raging Bull", Scorsese wanted to capture reality in Jake LaMotta's personal life. The way the film was shot grounds itself in reality, a style that Bazin would have greatly appreciated. While staying grounded in reality during most of the film, Scorses leaned more towards formalist techniques for the fight scenes. These conflicting styles is what lead to much of the film's success. A perfect example of this would be the scene in which Jake is asking Vicki about a comment she made about Janiro. In this scene, there is no music or ambient sounds. In the quiet, you can feel Jake's rage building up in his whispers to his wife. In the next scene, the film shows Jake violently beat Janiro in the ring in a formalist fashion. Bazin did believe that a certain amount of a film should be appropriately interpreted and organized by the director, Scorsese followed these guidelines firmly.
Bazin praised the use of deep-focus photography and long takes that allowed you to form your own opinion of the subject matter. He believed that the viewer is "deprived of a privilege" when a simple analysis conforms before their eyes. The introduction of deep-focus photography also brought longer shots, allowing the audience to truly study each scene and establish their own opinion. "Raging Bull" is an excellent example of these techniques. Editing was minimal in scenes that ask us to decide whether we believe Jake is a good man with issues or simply a bad man.
If Bazin was alive to see "Raging Bull", I believe that he would have praised it for many reasons. Scorsese and editor Thelma Shoonmaker placed two opposing styles in one film. For the fight scenes, the film adapted more formalist techniques. Allowing the filmmakers to conform an opinion themselves, an opinion that the film forces you to accept. However, most of the film was shot and edited with realist beliefs in mind, allowing the viewer to be an observer in this man's life. I truly believe that Bazin would have praised this film for allowing the viewer to decide whether or not Jake LaMotta truly was a raging bull.
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