Raging Bull with David Krumholtz

Blank Check returns to Martin Scorsese's 1980 masterpiece Raging Bull with guest David Krumholtz, an accomplished actor known for roles in The Plot Against America and other prestige projects. The episode dives into one of cinema's most celebrated films—frequently ranked among the greatest ever made—examining its status as a landmark boxing film, biopic, and showcase for transformative acting. The hosts and Krumholtz explore Robert De Niro's legendary physical and emotional commitment to the role of Jake LaMotta, Joe Pesci's breakthrough performance as volatile brother Joey, and Cathy Moriarty's luminous supporting turn. A key focus appears to be the film's distinctive use of repetitive dialogue as a stylistic device, which the show notes emphasize with the repeated phrase "DID YOU POD MY CAST?"—a callback to the film's famous repetitive lines. The conversation likely covers the tonal tightrope Scorsese walks throughout the film, balancing brutal realism with operatic intensity, and examines the craft decisions that made Raging Bull endure as a critical and artistic touchstone. Krumholtz presumably brings insider perspective on acting craft and the film's influence on contemporary performance. The episode is part of Blank Check's ongoing deep-dive format, where the hosts examine significant filmmakers and their work with knowledgeable guests. The show notes also reference a De Niro anecdote from Krumholtz and hint at broader cultural commentary (the De Niro/Trump reference), suggesting the conversation may touch on the actor's public persona and legacy beyond the film itself.

Verdict: A solid entry in Blank Check's catalog that delivers exactly what its title promises—a thorough discussion of a masterpiece with a knowledgeable guest—but the thin show notes offer no evidence of exceptional insight or revelations that would elevate it beyond competent film criticism.

TV & Film rubric

• Critical insight 3/5 20%

  Show notes promise analysis of tonal complexity and stylistic choices (repetitive dialogue, transformative performances) but lack evidence of sharp critical argument or revisionist perspective.

• Behind-the-scenes knowledge 3/5 20%

  Guest is an accomplished actor who can speak to craft and performance; notes reference a De Niro anecdote, suggesting some insider access, but no indication of deep production knowledge or interviews with filmmakers.

• Entertainment 3/5 15%

  The show's format and the repeated "DID YOU POD MY CAST?" joke suggest lively, playful energy typical of Blank Check, but notes alone don't confirm sustained humor or charisma.

• Substance 3/5 15%

  Covers multiple dimensions of the film (performances, dialogue, tone, biopic structure) with a knowledgeable guest, but show notes are thin on specific insights, stories, or analytical depth.

• Delivers on its title 5/5 15%

  Title promises Raging Bull discussion with Krumholtz; notes confirm the episode is entirely focused on the film, its performances, craft, and legacy.

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  At 2h 20m, the length is typical for Blank Check's deep-dive format, but show notes provide no evidence of pacing or whether the runtime is justified by density of content.

How we score TV & Film

Worth it if you're a Scorsese devotee, Raging Bull admirer, or regular Blank Check listener who enjoys deep dives into canonical cinema with engaging guests.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.