Which Scorsese film was the first to use Steadicam extensively?

Martin Scorsese’s first film to use the Steadicam extensively was “Raging Bull,” released in 1980.

The film’s moving camera is especially memorable during the boxing sequences. One celebrated Steadicam shot follows Jake LaMotta from the dressing-room area through the arena tunnel and toward the ring, creating a fluid transition from private tension to public violence. The movement gives the viewer a sense of entering the fight with him.

“Raging Bull” uses many other visual strategies as well, including high-contrast black-and-white cinematography, slow motion, freeze frames, rapid cutting, and distorted perspectives. Together, these techniques make the boxing ring feel less like a neutral sporting venue and more like an expression of LaMotta’s rage, fear, and jealousy.

Robert De Niro plays real-life middleweight champion Jake LaMotta, with Joe Pesci as his brother Joey and Cathy Moriarty as Vickie. The film was photographed by Michael Chapman and is widely regarded as one of Scorsese’s defining works.