What Bob Wore: A Sartorial Appreciation of the Notable Costumes Worn by Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s Films
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In the Ring

Film Details:

  • Film Title: Raging Bull
  • Film Year: 1980
  • Character Name: Jake LaMotta
  • Cinematography: blackAndWhite
  • Scorsese Cameo? false

Here is more information about the costume and how it informs the character:

  • Clothing Articles: Boxing shorts, leopard cape
  • Hairstyle: Sweaty hair
  • Props: Boxing gloves, mouthgard
  • Costume Style: Casual Dress
  • Facial Hair? false
  • Bare Chested? true
  • Tattoos? false
  • Headwear? false

If there was ever a fitting title for a film about its beastly character. As prizefighter Jake LaMotta, Bob boxes with brutish intensity and strength. Muscles on display, as well as the old chocolate-used-for-blood trick, the boxing matches throughout the film represent LaMotta in his element- and clearly show his aggression outside the ring. The leopard-print cape further represents the predatory nature of Bob's portrayal of LaMotta.

Did you know? Scorsese chose to shoot the film in black and white to differentiate it from Rocky, and to preserve the memories of “a generation of people who had grown up in the 1950s watching Madison Square Garden fights every Friday on NBC...It was the only way they’d ever seen [the matches].” (via Mental Floss)

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