Metro Goldwyn Meyers Studios filed a very unusual lawsuit recently attempting to halt the release of Raging Bull II, a sequel of the critically acclaimed Raging Bull film, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro.  Incidentally, Robert DeNiro won an Oscar for his performance in the film.  This lawsuit is remarkable on a number of levels. It serves as a cautionary tale for producers of films based on a life story and it raises question as to how much control should producers have over future renderings on an individual’s life.

In a nutshell, MGM is trying to stop the release of this movie because it determined that it is ghastly and it would have a negative effect on the classic Raging Bull movie.  The defendants in the case are Jake “Raging Bull” LaMotta and the Raging Bull II production company, name appropriately RB II Productions.  In its complaint, MGM is suing for, among other claims, breach of contract, interference with a contract and unfair competition.

The embattled sequel is currently in production.  Should this movie be allowed to come out, there is no question the lawsuit will have an effect on the box office – the faithful fans of Raging Bull and its subject, DeMotta will go to see it out of loyalty, the rest will go to see a movie so bad it merited a federal court fist fight.  Where were Paramount’s lawyers when Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was in production?