because obviously Lamotta is powerful even without the physical conditioning aspect thrown into it, but Travis Bickle powerful?

I mean one of the MOST FAMOUS SCENES IN ALL OF CINEMA is just Robert De Niro talking to the camera. Travis Bickle is BEYOND iconic, and the character goes between the over-eager charmer on the date, to the bizarre racist trying to fit in with the cabbies, to the full on psycho about to assassinate a political candidate.

Looking back at Raging Bull, I'd say it's more about the camera work and the thematic content. Lamotta is obviously intriguing, but that character doesn't quite carry the narrative the way Travis Bickle IS the Taxi Driver.

but

you're right, I didn't even think of Raging Bull when I typed my post. Denzel -- I LOVE Denzel -- he doesn't have anything touching either of those De Niro roles.