Adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir, Martin Scorsese's intense biopic Raging Bull has become a modern classic, widely regarded as Scorsese's masterpiece and regularly hailed as one of the best films ever made. Robert De Niro gives a matchless performance as the prizefighting protagonist, driven by an obsessive rage and consuming jealousy outside the ring that sends him on a downward spiral of self-destruction. The film received eight Oscar nominations, including Scorsese's first for Best Director, De Niro deservedly winning the award for Best Actor. In 1990, it became the first film to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in its first year of eligibility.

Renowned for his intricately detailed close-up portraiture, artist Kunio Hagio created a searingly confrontational black and white oil portrait of De Niro as the bruised and bloodied boxer for the poster campaign, reflecting the stark black and white cinematography of the film itself. The incredibly effective teaser for the US release added only the words De Niro and Raging in red above and below the image of De Niro, generating hype for the violent tragedy. Hagio was awarded the 1981 Hollywood Reporter Key Art Award for best One-Sheet. 

Condition

Very good (B+)

Not backed. A very light undulating horizontal fold. Minor edge wear and light creasing throughout. Darkening and some light age staining to edges. Image and colours otherwise excellent.