Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Page 21

PITTSBURGH POST-CAZETTE: Fri., Feb. 20, 1981 21 f 'Raging BulP packs cinematic wallop (Continued from Page 19) character ages, depending on which re- K)rt you read. Whatever the (acts, De iro's performance is clearly the front-runner for this year's best-actor Oscar. Some moviegoers, however, will wonder why major film-makers should be so attracted to such a seamy subject. But it suits the personal vision of Scorsese, ' allowing him once again to travel those mean streets that fascinate him. The darker side of life and human nature, and its violent manifestations, are his continuing concern. "Raging Bull" only heightens the intensity of that vision. Scorsese approaches his material with great originality. The boxing scenes, the most bloody yet, are highly stylized, . using camera angles that make the ring look large enough for a basketball game, making the punches sound like small-arms explosions. When La Motta jealously watches his wife across a nightclub floor, the director employs slow-motion to record what he sees. In the middle of the slightly overexposed black-and-white film, a grainy and scratched home movie sequence in color covers the passage of several years and weddings. It is all masterful movie-making of a highly cinematic sort Scorsese's references are filmic; literary values mean less to him. Thus, he includes little visual and verbal references to old movies like "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "On the Waterfront," but be is careless about narrative details. We never learn, for example, what happened to La Motta's first wife or how . long he was jailed; yet we are given the exact dates and locales of all his major fights as if they were historical events. . Scorsese vacillates between extreme realism (occasionally using actual radio descriptions of La Motta fights) and surrealism (the blood flows in torrents, . splattering ringsiders, washing down Jake's body, drenching the ropes during the fight when La Motta lost his title to Sugar Ray Robinson). Like Hal Ashby in "Coming Home," the director lays a carpet of old records' under most of the scenes, but he accompanies the fight scenes with elegiac ' classical music. In "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver" and "New York, New York," Scorsese and De Niro have established a rare creative collaboration, one that reaches its peak in "Raging Bull." The ethnic and social background of the film reflects both men and seems unimpeacbably authentic. But even the street language seems exaggerated for effect. Audiences who think they've heard everything will be startled by the dialogue, hardly a line of which could be printed in most newspapers. All' of the performances have documentary-like veracity, especially Joe Peschi as Jake's manager-brother, who alone keeps the fighter's vicious temper under control. When they finally break in a harrowing scene, La Motta's self-destructive course seems set Peschi's striking and voluble performance is balanced by Cathy Moriarty's sullen, shallow beauty as La Motta's second wife. Looking like the young 'Lana Turner and talking like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever," she is . unfailingly right. There is unquestionable ugliness in "Raging Bull," but there is astonishing power, too. It may shock you; it will definitely drain you. You won't soon forget it The film is rated R for violence and language. 'Rite of Spring is pulsating By Jane Vranish Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" was the focal point of the American Dance Ensemble's latest performance at the Pittsburgh Playhouse last night. The work embodied Nicolas Petrov's grandiose vision dozens of pulsating bodies flinging themselves to the throbbing rhythms Post'Gazette review of the Stravinsky score. Here was an opportu-nity for great masses of circular movement, pounding feet, and flailing arms. Petrov employed them all to a generally better effect than I had remembered. Several moments achieved an exciting blend of the primal forces of music and dance. However, it was still objectionable that Petrov directly quoted Maurice Bejart's original version with the men bouncing off each other's chests. This made the originality of the rest of the production suspect. The earth-toned macrame costumes and lighting added to the general effect of the production. This particular cast had a better grasp of the rhythmic complexities of the choreography than previous productions, although there were still apparent mistakes. Among the soloists, Kathleen Mallon and Peter Degnan exerted considerable force as the Witch and Young Man. Carolyn Paddock (the Chosen One) was surprisingly uninhibited in her dance to the death. Ballet dominated the rest of the program. Guest artists Julie Cunningham and Alexander Agadzhanov offered "Le Corsaire" pas de -deux. Cunningham, clad in an exceptionally frilly costume, was out of her league technically, while Agadzhanov performed with professional aplomb. George Balanchine's "Pas de Dix" suffered ( from unattractive, floppy tutus for the women and fast tempi on the recording, which interfered with the phrasing in the girls' variations. Peter Degnan was in better shape than he has been recently and fared well in his solo. Only Kristin Schleich captured the essence of the piece, a smoldering blend of ethnic and classical ballet. She made an excellent debut in the ballerina role, with a sharp musical sensibility and assured technique. Douglas Bentz showed artistic growth as he developed more facets of the preacher's personality in a repeat of his spell-binding gospel jazz production "Oh Happy Day." He could, , . however, delete the busy lighting, the mirror , ball, and the addition of converts from the audience. A cheery, athletic "Russian Promenade" completes the program which will run through Sunday. -!R tAUUt UK A UAAMAUJ I . .! X lumuni awv lunmiuw ityiWJMJtfA AT MIDNIGHT rmtmwm 617-1334 rag NINE TO FIVE 2 00 4 00 6 00 B OOt 1000 P M PG THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN KM8ESWOOOST.355-0I04 Mi H.6H. mat ioupm.ipoi CHATHAM CENTER261-100 looil TESS i7 151 10:30PM (PO) win km:,! RAGING BULL 210 SIXTH ST.28I-13I3 1 i i oo. 3,1s. 5 30. 7M) i 1010 p m ii I 101 SIXTH ST.28 1-4356 Ha07 KHIBES AVE.682-2334 FOBT APACHeTtHE BRONX At 1 30. 3 40. i 45, 7 SO 10 00 P M IP) MY BLOODY VALENTINE 4356 At 2 00. 4 00, 6 00 8 00 4 10 00 P M (1 STIR CRAZY At 7-30 A 9:45 PM. R KAGEMUSHA A-7 15 4 10 00 PM (PGl RESURRECTION A7 45945PM (PG THE COMPETITION Al7 40 9:55P M, (PGl 5824 KW ADD AVE. 42 1-7900 1 Jack lemmon in TRIBUTE At 7 30 1 9:45 P M (PG) ALTERED STATES UNCCKN AVE.766-I2S4I 336 HfTH AVE47 1 -7400 At?oo 400 6 00 booiooopm ii Ail teati J 1 50 at ail timet RESURRECTION At 7 30 & 9 30 PM (PGl All lean 5 1 50 at all timet SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES At 8 00 4 10 0QP M (PG) Ail teats SI 50 ot oil timet RESURRECTION AI730S 9 30PM IPG1 T. 3AWSON PARK 487-4433) All wots S 1 50 at all time, THE ELEPHANT MAN At 7. 30 4945PM IPGI I Mcknight o.367-5880 NINE TO FIVE At 7 45 10:00PM IPGI MtKNIGHT HO. 364-3900 RAGING BULL At 7 30 4 9:45 P M (PI MY BLOODY VALENTINE At80O& 10:00PM it! THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN At 7 45 1 9 50 P M IPGI STII CRAZY At7 ?0 9 40PM. f MY BLOODY VALENTINE At8 00 &950PM (PI ELEPHANT MAN At7,30950PM IPG) Paul Newman FORT APACHE, THE BRONX At 7 30 4 9:50P.M. IK RESURRECTION At 7 45 4 9 45 PM (PGl THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN At 7 30 4 9:30 P M (PGl DONALDSON CK.941-B 1 1 J THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN A17 30 4 9 30PM IPGI mmm. JUtUm' ' - i L. MI. LEBANON 343-7300 THE COMPETITION At 7 45 4 1000PM IPG) J O k lemmon tn TRIBUTE At 7 30 4 9 45 P M PG1 DOEMONT, 561-1066 I SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES At 7 30 4 9 30PM IPGI ISOUTH HILLS MAIL 835-7700 I TESS At 7 154 10 30P M (PG) BBHBSEIBnEMB JJ 1 11 If J I LMONBOE VILLE, 373-.MI3.l THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN At 7:30 4 9 30 P.M. IPG) MY BLOODY VALENTINE At 8 00 4 10 00 PM 'PI SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES At 7 40 4 9 40 P M (PG) STIR CRAZY At 7 45 4 9 45 P M (P.) NINE TO FIVE At 7 30 4 9:45 P M (PG) mum ONROVILLE MALt372 6145 l mm j MY BLOODY VALENTINE At 8 00 4 9 45 PM R) RESURRECTION At 7 45 4 9 45 P M IPG) STIR CRAZY At 7 30 4 9 45P.M .() TESS At7 154 10,30PM (PG) TM Enooeement One AH Man 1 .50 RESURRECTION At 7 45 4 9 45 P M (PG) THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN AI7 30 4 9 30PM IPGI p:i:i;iiihj ffNNHIiSK0fCT8 TT 1-1300; All ugh ft t 50 at oH time SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES At7 30& 9 30PM (PGl "SEKA IS MAGNIFICENT. THE ULTIMATE TURN ON!' CINEMA X "DAZZLING. HOT EXOTISM!" ATD10 X "HOT. SEXY WITH A ' TOUCH Of CLASS!" -DAVIDSON 6 ACADEMY WARD NOMINATIONS ' , DEST PICTURE DEST DIRECTOR toberr Bedford DEST ACTRESS Mary Tyler Moore DEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Timothy Hurron, Judd Hirsch BEST SCREENPLAY ADAPTATION Alvin Sargent Paramount Pictures Presents O Wildwood Enterprises Production "Ordinary People" Donald Sutherland Mory Tyler Moore Judd Hirsch . Timothy Hutton Music Adapted by Marvin Homlisch Screenplay by Alvin Sargent . Produced by Ronald l.Schwary A Paramount Pcture Directed by Robert Redtord I WITWCTB i&3 Qwr T, MCMUUlX Dy Puirxx POur CtV&Cf. I wait n mm wmwi . CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES FOR SHOW TIMES CHESWICK. CALAXY SHOWCASE NORTH. SHOWCASE WEST WHITEHALL Chtswick Bridgtvillt .McKnighl Rd. i Roblntoa Twp. . Brt ntwod 1 7C ww urn mi. mi soowmc unm t p 1 l J iUH 4HOH0ft FIRST WAIINU SHOW ONLY J Jan tn4, Dlly Potion 9 TO 5 (PG) Ti TM 4 hS Jack Ummon in TRIBUTE (PG) Today ot 7:15 & 9:35 Paul Ncwnwt FT. APACHE. THE BRONX (1) ltdrl t 7:10 I t:35 Clint Eastwood INT WHICH WAT TOO CAN (ft) UaT t MS t t:30 J Goldie Hawn at PRIVATE BENJAMIN (R) - i " - ' J Lily Tomlln I THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN (PG) If 7:45 I t it f 1 1 ". . . danced with admirable XjlSCllS exactitude and vitality. " & Paquita staged by Alexandra Danilova and Frederic Franklin MAR. 13 (eve.), 14 (mat & eve.), and 15 (mat) Romeo & Juliet (Berlioz) "another triumph" LesSylphides ". . . picture perfect in its sylph-like movements. " MAR. 26 (Th. eve.), 28 (mat & eve.). 29 (mat) Group Discounts Tickets: Heinz Hall and Kaufmann's or call 281-0360 and charge it Mon. Fri. 9 9. Sat. & Sun. 9-4. yy r 1 ijfi''Ttfy") 1 L THE COMPETITION - ,amt horth Todiy at 1:45, 7:19, 9:40 I 11:09 TRIBUTE - MOUTH Toaiy it 1:45, 7:19, 9:50 I 12:05 STIR CRAZY R wtsTHOTH Todiy il 1:30, 7:49, 10:00 t 12:09 ALTERED STATES r cast wesr xoufNTixlir t 1:30, 9:00, 19:10 I 12:10) FORT APACHE r wfsthohth east Tdiy il 1:09, 7:30, 9:50 i 12:00 THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN Tdiy at 2:09, 9:09, 10:00 ( 11:45 JAZZ SINGER pg "o" Todiy t 1:15, 7:59, 19:10 i 12:15 ww,r ,a.t Today it 1:99, 7:49, 19:99 I 12:05? ORDINARY PEOPLE R s, wowtm Todiy ot V.45, 7.19, 9:49 I 11:55 THE DEVIL & MAX DEVLIN cr Todiy it l:15,'7:15, 9:30 i mt MY BLOODY VALENTINE R t i wtsr Todiy it 1:45, 7:45, 9:45 11:45 1 RAGING BULL mVf? i:u, r : i u, :iu a ir.vv 2 AG ADEM Y AWARD NOMINATIONS Best Picttire Best rr I E; W, a 111 J. UN llll Ml I 1HLIHMIUIW.1 4 Aft 1) T At timely today a the day it wu written. Director ROMAN POLANSKI "One of the very beM film of the st-ason. A lovely, lyrkal. unexpectedly delicate mtie. Nastaia Kinski is altouether ravishing." (jn.'l Vlj.lm NW lKh TIK( ' "Impeccable craftsmanship. A rigorously classical, beautiful film." Di.Mi SftH-n. NtUsUtll. l Ol I MBIA l'KTl'KErRkENT A ROMAN POLANSKI FILM "TESS" NASTASSIA KINSKI PETER FIRTH LEIGH LAWSON , hrii.mi.avby GERARD BRACH ROMAN POLANSKI JOHN BROWNJOHN HA'tllON THK MIVI.I. "Tttr THtd L RHtR ILLtV HV THOMAS HARIV rHtmx.RAPHtPHY GEOFFREY UNSWORTHbsc i GHISLAIN CLOQUET. am. i rRoiH-cTitiN ntMi.NtR PIERRE GUFFROY cosTL'Mks itMi ;neij by ANTHONY POWELL ml sic PHILIPPE SARDE txKVTivt proolc tR PIERRE GRUNSTEIN tcvpRiMM-ctRTIMOTHY BURRILL AMKiATt rRoPLttR JEAN-PIERRE RASSAM i RtDLttiBY CLAUDE BERRI niRtcTtnHv ROMAN POLANSKI I ttn.,- Hxt'tOs i IV.kl.Kit.tt Hi nn I'f.jM. ti.t 1 1 in.t ilrtill I'r.Ju. th. 1 9 U tth ihi l'rlM rro.n . ft Mrtr lfrwaia Jt l.lu. lt.m .1 Jr 4 r.loKO uJHitMIW PC!utl!9 Mwsroji Panavision mioos1" UIW 0Mt(0 ou wO' It u:itl ttjt"i5t STARTS TODAY! ThattTtmtrBirrjh! Hini .; - rty : ' ' . ; ': ' f " t ' ' ' tlfAt W ', "j 'f , AON : I ,r vV x i(. ;y,: yj f'TZfy I " ' 1:C9. J:1S. S :. 7:59. 19:10 lit t 9.(5 1:45. 7 19. 9 49 I 1J 1:45. 7:19, 9.49 C 1! ' ' r1 1 1 Af 7:15 , 10:30 P.M. f' B 9J Sout. Htll Moll 3-770O Kj A 7 15 10-30 P M Ej Wowe.ll Mtl 37J-61S J At 7:15 a 10:30 P.M. I