Raging Bull - opening sequence analysis

Raging Bull – opening sequence analysis.

The Raging Bull opening sequence represents a lone boxer, immediately the audience receives a feel for the genre as it is represented through various conventions. The genre is denoted as a ‘biographical drama’ because it is based on a true story – the fact that it’s a true story allows the audience to form an emotional relationship with the protagonist (the lone boxer) through syntactic elements. This element that it is based on a true story is a generic convention of the ‘biographical drama’ genre.

Visual iconography is crucial in representing the genre accurately and in Raging Bull it has been executed well due to its impressive lighting that surrounds the protagonists and connotes the lonely vibe to not only the boxer but to the genre as well, which in turn signifies the dramatic element.  The use of Chiaroscuro lighting represents the protagonist in a tragic way, possibly signifying the boxer as an underdog. The dramatic element is echoed through the music used, it is quite intense yet mellow at the same time signifying the confused state the lonely boxer is in. This represents the theory that Rick Altman states about syntactic elements that connects the target audience and its psychographics to the genre. Therefore it is communicated through conventions, such as: the music and visual iconography.

The mis-en-scene is filmed in slow motion using a high-speed camera at around 500 frames per second. The slow motion sense really emphasizes the connotations surrounding the genre because the slow motion elements connote the tragic mood, signifying the boxer as an underdog. Furthermore, this is signified through the use of the Black & White aspect in which the movie is being filmed.

The target audience is engaged almost instantly because of the incredible camera work, an established shot through the boxing ring with the words ‘Raging Bull’ between the rings ropes. The fact that the film is being shot through the ropes connote that the lone boxer or ‘lone wolf’ is isolated signifying his emotional true story; emphasizing the films genre which is a ‘biographical drama’. In addition, the ‘lone wolf’ aspect that links in with the films genre – a ‘biographical drama’ – is further echoed through the use of a long take editing technique in order to slow the pace down and ultimately build the atmosphere for the active audience.  

In addition, the titles ‘Raging Bull’ appear on screen between the ropes in bold, red font. The bold and red font signify that the boxer is looking for blood from his opponent connoting the ambition and passion he has for boxing because he wants to win every fight every time. Reason behind this is because the colour red is a symbolic icon for blood and the fact that the title is bold signifies the victory the protagonist is driving for.

The protagonist (the boxer) could be described as a potential ‘hero’ due to the audience connecting emotionally to the character through syntactic elements, for instance: due to the fact that the film and genre is based on a true story. The fact that the protagonist is represented as a ‘hero’ relates to Vladimir Propp’s character types theory. The lone boxer is the ‘hero’ in this theory connoting that the lone wolf will play a specific role in the development of the narrative.

The non – diegetic sound that is played throughout the entire opening sequence is an important part of the film; regarding the atmospheric feel for the film in order to engage the audience. The sound behind the sequence represents the protagonist in a particular way, it connotes that the ‘lone boxer’ is aspiring to be the best he can be because the music consists of a ‘drone’ that builds up and encourages the audience not only to aspire but also, the boxer to aspire to his full potential.

The dominant ideology that is represented in the opening sequence is the sense of ambition. A reflective illustration of the human condition’s inner ambition to become all it can be and fulfill its true potential. This links in with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs on the level of self – actualization and self – esteem because these human aspects drive the ambition forward. Therefore, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs plays a big part regarding the not only the narrative but the protagonist as well in the opening sequence. Also, the audience receives this sense of determination and ambition through the use of the ideology presented in the opening sequence.

One generic convention of an opening sequence that has been demonstrated is the sense of build-up to something, further presented along the narrative as the film progresses. This sense of build-up is represented through the mis-en-scene and the sound included. The mis-en-scene is filmed in slow-motion that connotes the dramatic build-up used in order to grab the audience’s attention and engage them. Also, the music incorporated enhances the build-up because it consists of a dramatic element that aids the build-up and captures the audience.

The audience reception will react engagingly to the visuals and audio. It will spark atmospheric intrigue due to the dramatic build-up.  Therefore, it will provide the audience with a certain ‘function’ of entertainment according to Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory. Accordingly, the entertainment function of this specific media text engages the audience through the mis-en-scene and sound.

The institution has signified the start of Tzvetlan Todorov’s Narrative Structure theory with the indication of a possibly the start of an equilibrium, which will further be followed by the structure of Todorov’s theory which consists of: The equilibrium, the disruption, the battle for resolution and finally the cycle repeats with a new equilibrium. This is connoted through the opening sequence focusing on the protagonist that represents one man’s journey – this is the equilibrium.  The Black & White colour of the film which gives a sense of bleakness which in turn reflects the tragic nature of the storyline (narrative). This could potentially signify the foreshadowing of the ‘disruption’ feature of Todorov’s theory. In addition, the music is an emotional, orchestral score that adds to the genre.

The reason behind the choice of film for this analysis is because I am creating my own opening sequence that revolves around an isolated boxer who is represented as the underdog - in his first ever fight! This analysis has really helped me in the understanding behind boxing films.