This was incredible—it made me rethink everything about the John 9:24-26 final title card, which I now believe is the most potent moment Scorsese invoked.
Paul Schrader once wrote:
"I don't think it's true [his redemption] of La Motta either in real life or in the movie; I think he's the same dumb lug at the end as at the beginning, and I think Marty is just imposing salvation on his subject by fiat. I've never really got from him a terribly credible reason for why he did it; he just seemed to feel that it was right."
But reading your post, I realize that John’s verse isn’t just an addendum—it is the most credible moment in the film.
La Motta may still be living a lie, but that doesn’t seem to matter to God. God loves him, and somehow, someday, in some way, he will be redeemed. Maybe that truth lifted a burden off Scorsese’s shoulders—just as you pointed out, it allowed him to take the artistic risks that define the film. He handed himself over to God, and that was enough.
It took a cocaine overdose, being overworked, and exhaustion for Scorsese to land in the hospital near death. It was through this that he found his purpose and path forward, and with God. It's a window into the tortured soul seeking grace and redemption. But we must be willing to accept it. Thank you for the wonderfully insightful comments and for reading!
Thank you, sir. I never know if what I write makes sense in a cohesive way. I'm glad you connect with it. I'm very grateful for your readership and comments!
Another great piece, Jenna! I can't wait to rewatch the movie.
I love the opening line: "Nothing soothes a broken heart like watching two men beat the hell out of each other." Very prophetic of what is to come.
Great insight: "A purpose and faith, giving ourselves entirely to grace, vulnerability, and life lived bare, stripped of anger, and break the shackles of self-destructive doubt and insecurity. Only then can we see."
Finding redemption and wholeness through grace and vulnerability, rather than through self-punishment and anger. Now that is transformational!
Thank you, Mark! It’s interesting what a couple of decades does between watching this film. Living life with all its brutal truths, joy, disappointment and hope gives one a different perspective and feeling watching these things reflected on screen. Maybe you’ll find some new or different insight that I overlooked. Thank you for reading and offering your great thoughts on this!
This piece is lightning, from its rising action of Keyshawn Davis’ victory, to your existential dissection of the fight inside the ring and inside Man, to Scorsese’s anguished John 9:25 quote. It’s fire: that so much attention is paid to the boxers’ stamina, slugging power, ability to take a hit, and his gracefulness, but really the internal battle is unknown to those at ringside. When boxers sometimes thank each other and hug at the end, we know they’re grateful to be rocked to the core of their skills, to be opened up and bled and taught about themselves. That’s why sometimes they hug and cry, I guess. They’ve had their inner turmoil matched up with their face. Pain inside, meet pain outside. Just a wrenching piece.
This was incredible—it made me rethink everything about the John 9:24-26 final title card, which I now believe is the most potent moment Scorsese invoked.
Paul Schrader once wrote:
"I don't think it's true [his redemption] of La Motta either in real life or in the movie; I think he's the same dumb lug at the end as at the beginning, and I think Marty is just imposing salvation on his subject by fiat. I've never really got from him a terribly credible reason for why he did it; he just seemed to feel that it was right."
But reading your post, I realize that John’s verse isn’t just an addendum—it is the most credible moment in the film.
La Motta may still be living a lie, but that doesn’t seem to matter to God. God loves him, and somehow, someday, in some way, he will be redeemed. Maybe that truth lifted a burden off Scorsese’s shoulders—just as you pointed out, it allowed him to take the artistic risks that define the film. He handed himself over to God, and that was enough.
It took a cocaine overdose, being overworked, and exhaustion for Scorsese to land in the hospital near death. It was through this that he found his purpose and path forward, and with God. It's a window into the tortured soul seeking grace and redemption. But we must be willing to accept it. Thank you for the wonderfully insightful comments and for reading!
Thanks for leaving it all out there, Jenna. I read this with rapidity. The variety and quality of what you write is amazing.
Thank you, sir. I never know if what I write makes sense in a cohesive way. I'm glad you connect with it. I'm very grateful for your readership and comments!
Brava!
Thanks, Jonathan. You're still the best!
I really enjoyed this one. Tight and with urgency. Well done. And thanks for the work.
Thank you for taking the time to read it John. It means a lot to me as well as the kind words.
Another great piece, Jenna! I can't wait to rewatch the movie.
I love the opening line: "Nothing soothes a broken heart like watching two men beat the hell out of each other." Very prophetic of what is to come.
Great insight: "A purpose and faith, giving ourselves entirely to grace, vulnerability, and life lived bare, stripped of anger, and break the shackles of self-destructive doubt and insecurity. Only then can we see."
Finding redemption and wholeness through grace and vulnerability, rather than through self-punishment and anger. Now that is transformational!
Thank you, Mark! It’s interesting what a couple of decades does between watching this film. Living life with all its brutal truths, joy, disappointment and hope gives one a different perspective and feeling watching these things reflected on screen. Maybe you’ll find some new or different insight that I overlooked. Thank you for reading and offering your great thoughts on this!
This piece is lightning, from its rising action of Keyshawn Davis’ victory, to your existential dissection of the fight inside the ring and inside Man, to Scorsese’s anguished John 9:25 quote. It’s fire: that so much attention is paid to the boxers’ stamina, slugging power, ability to take a hit, and his gracefulness, but really the internal battle is unknown to those at ringside. When boxers sometimes thank each other and hug at the end, we know they’re grateful to be rocked to the core of their skills, to be opened up and bled and taught about themselves. That’s why sometimes they hug and cry, I guess. They’ve had their inner turmoil matched up with their face. Pain inside, meet pain outside. Just a wrenching piece.
Jenna, What an insightful look at the human experience! Wow...well done.
Thank you, Jim. I appreciate the kind words!
Thank you, Jenna! Beautiful writing as always.
Too kind! Thank you for reading and subscribing. I look forward to your comments, always!