I recently watched “Taxi Driver” (1976) for the first time, and it’s safe to say that it left me feeling all sorts of emotions. From start to finish, the movie is captivating and intense, and I found myself fully invested in the story.
The movie follows Travis Bickle, a lonely and disillusioned Vietnam War veteran who takes up the job of a taxi driver in New York City. As he drives around the city at night, he becomes increasingly disturbed by the violence and corruption that he sees. He becomes obsessed with a young prostitute named Iris, played brilliantly by a young Jodie Foster, and becomes determined to save her from her dangerous lifestyle.
The acting in this movie is superb, especially from Robert De Niro, who delivers an unforgettable performance as Travis Bickle. He perfectly captures the character’s growing madness and isolation, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into his world.
The cinematography is also worth mentioning, as it beautifully captures the grit and grime of New York City in the 1970s. The scenes of Travis driving around the city at night are particularly haunting.
Overall, “Taxi Driver” is a memorable and thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Just be prepared for a wild ride.
Lesson about Taxi Driver
One lesson we can take from the movie Taxi Driver 1976 is the danger of unchecked anger and isolation.
The Best of Taxi Driver
- 1. Compelling portrayal of urban alienation: Taxi Driver’s portrayal of Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran who struggles with loneliness and isolation in New York City, has been widely praised for its powerful representation of urban alienation. The film’s gritty depiction of the city’s seedy underbelly and Bickle’s increasingly unstable and violent behavior offer a thought-provoking critique of contemporary society.
- 2. Iconic performances: The film features several iconic performances by its leading actors, including Robert De Niro‘s nuanced portrayal of the troubled Bickle, as well as Jodie Foster‘s breakout role as the child prostitute Iris. The on-screen chemistry between De Niro and Foster is particularly powerful, contributing to the film’s lasting impact and cultural significance.
- 3. Complex themes and symbolism: Taxi Driver addresses complex themes and issues that remain relevant today, including mental illness, masculinity, and vigilantism. Through its use of powerful symbolism, such as Bickle’s iconic “you talking to me?” monologue, and its exploration of the darker corners of the human psyche, the film continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, nearly four decades after its release.
Week points of Taxi Driver
- 1. Lack of Character Development: While lead character Travis Bickle is an interesting and complex figure, many of the other characters are one-dimensional and underdeveloped. We never really get to know them beyond their basic appearances and roles in the story.
- 2. Unrealistic Violence: The violence in Taxi Driver is notoriously brutal and graphic, but it can also feel over-the-top and unrealistic. Travis seems almost invincible, able to take on multiple armed men without receiving a scratch, and the scenes of violence can sometimes take us out of the story.
- 3. Slow Pacing: While the film has its intense and gripping moments, it can also be slow and aimless at times. There are long stretches where nothing much seems to happen, and while this can be effective in building tension and atmosphere, it can also feel like a slog for some viewers.
Technical details of Taxi Driver
Title | Taxi Driver |
---|---|
Year | 1976 |
Rated | R |
Released | 09 Feb 1976 |
Runtime | 114 min |
Genre | Crime, Drama |
Director | Martin Scorsese |
Writer | Paul Schrader |
Actors | Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd |
Plot | Travis Bickle is an ex-Marine and Vietnam War veteran living in New York City. As he suffers from insomnia, he spends his time working as a taxi driver at night, watching porn movies at seedy cinemas during the day, or thinking about how the world, New York in particular, has deteriorated into a cesspool. He's a loner who has strong opinions about what is right and wrong with mankind. For him, the one bright spot in New York humanity is Betsy, a worker on the presidential nomination campaign of Senator Charles Palantine. He becomes obsessed with her. After an incident with her, he believes he has to do whatever he needs to make the world a better place in his opinion. One of his priorities is to be the savior for Iris, a twelve-year-old runaway and prostitute who he believes wants out of the profession and under the thumb of her pimp and lover Matthew. |
Country | United States |
Awards | Nominated for 4 Oscars. 22 wins & 20 nominations total |