Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull is widely regarded as a masterpiece, earning two Oscars: one for Best Editing, awarded to Thelma Schoonmaker, and another for Best Actor, given to Robert De Niro for his transformative performance as Jake LaMotta. De Niro gained 30 kg to embody the physical decline of the boxer, a role he considers the most difficult of his career. The film, written by Paul Schrader, is noted for its analysis of toxic masculinity and the effects of pathological jealousy on Jake LaMotta's family and career. The film consistently ranks among the greatest in American cinema history, according to the American Film Institute. Joe Pesci's role as Joey LaMotta was initially uncertain, as the casting director Cis Corman discovered Pesci after seeing him in The Death Collector in 1976. Corman sent a copy of the film to De Niro, who then recommended Pesci to Scorsese. At the time, Pesci was in a career hiatus, working in an Italian restaurant called Amici’s. He initially did not take seriously the idea that De Niro had called him, believing it to be a joke. Pesci had left Hollywood due to feeling at the mercy of others and wanted to be treated as a man. He refused to return to acting unless it was for something significant. De Niro and Scorsese made multiple attempts to convince Pesci to take the role. Initially, Pesci felt the role was minor and thought it should be given to an active actor. After De Niro returned with the original script and producer Irwin Winkler, Pesci remained hesitant. A second attempt by De Niro, this time with Scorsese and a new version of the script written by Paul Schrader, who significantly developed the character of Joey LaMotta, convinced Pesci to accept the role. Pesci later stated that the role would be really great and that he would love to participate in the project.