The Movie 1 Raphael Thread
 

I posted this over in another thread and thought it fitting to start a discussion based on the first film's Raphael, arguably the "main" Turtle in the movie:

Raphael must have evolved and "came to life" on screen - sure it has to do with writing, but I think it was realized (no matter what ideas they were toying with at the time, perhaps making Leo the one being thrown the glass) that Raphael's character was the most dynamic and engaging choice for the center role, and a good route to go down was having him being hurt rather than Leonardo. Raphael's injury also lent a hand to Leonardo's character development as caretaker of his family, which we otherwise might not have seen so poignantly.

While I thought it was an interesting idea to sort of make Raph the "main" character, I've always found him to be very unlikeable in this movie. I don't ever really sympathize with him because he just comes off as a dick most of the time. I appreciate him more in the comics, toons, etc.

But he does get some of the best action scenes in the movie, so that counts for something. ;P

I adore Raphael in the first movie; I think he's a triumph of writing, acting and puppetry. He goes through such an amazing journey and really carries the story well.

Barron's TMNT flick is my ideal TMNT, even if Raph isn't my ideal Raph.

The thing I love most about this flick is the emotional level that is there if you look at it. And a lot of that emotional weight lays directly on Raphael. His anger issues give us one of the best Splinter scenes in any Turtles media, bar none. His anger issues lead him to leave the lair to vent, plugging in both human protagonists. His anger issues lead to his fighting with his brother when they need each other most, his near death, all of which is reconciled in Northampton. It truly is a "Kodak Moment."

Sure Raphael's arc is the major driver of the flick, sometimes to the determent of the others, but the movie shows just how much Raphael needs his family to "channel his anger."

Exactly. : )

"I have tried to channel your anger, Raphael... but I have no remote."

I always add that last part in my head when I watch it. :P

I agree, great diagnosis, that is pretty much exactly how I feel about it. And it served as a great way to illustrate how Raph's anger getting the best of him can be very destructive, he had remained rational instead of storming off he would have never been in that situation and nearly beaten to death. There were a lot of great character moments for Raph in the first movie, and they did a great job of establishing the Leo-Raph dynamic.

That would be my assessment, as well. One of my favorite scenes would be his first interaction with Casey, a nice blend of his OT snark and his Mirage rage with his skyward "damn!" And I definitely agree with Donnie's analysis, as the role reversal enhanced Leo's character as the caretaker. Made their bathroom reconcliation all the more satisfying.

Part of the appeal for me would be his actor, Josh Pais. In watching his "Law & Order" Season 1-2 work, playing his recurring coroner role, I had a good laugh at the prospect of switching his shell for his scrubs. Heh.

Oh cool, I didn't realize that was him, I'll have to pay attention, I watch Law & Order all the time, lol.