Taxi Driver: A Masterpiece of American Cinema - A Review

 

"Taxi Driver" is a classic American film that was directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1976. The film stars Robert De Niro as the lead character, Travis Bickle, a disturbed and isolated Vietnam veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City to cope with his insomnia. The film was written by Paul Schrader and has since become one of the most iconic and influential films of the 1970s.

The film opens with Travis Bickle, who is introduced as a loner who struggles with insomnia and finds solace in his work as a taxi driver. He keeps a diary in which he writes his thoughts and feelings, and the film is largely told from his perspective. Throughout the film, we see Travis becoming increasingly disillusioned with the people he encounters and the world around him. This eventually leads him to embark on a violent quest to rid the city of its seedy underbelly and to save a young child prostitute, played by Jodie Foster.

"Taxi Driver" is widely regarded as one of Martin Scorsese's best films and a classic of American cinema. The film's cinematography, especially the night-time shots of New York City, is often praised for its visual style and its ability to create a sense of loneliness and isolation. The film's score, composed by Bernard Herrmann, features a haunting main theme that has been widely imitated in subsequent films and has become one of the most recognizable pieces of film music in history.

One of the most memorable aspects of "Taxi Driver" is Robert De Niro's performance as Travis Bickle. De Niro is known for his intense and deeply committed performances, and in "Taxi Driver" he delivers one of his best. He captures the character's sense of isolation, anger, and desperation perfectly, and his portrayal of Travis remains one of the most iconic and influential performances in the history of American cinema.

The film's screenplay, written by Paul Schrader, has also been widely praised. Schrader based the story on his own experiences as a taxi driver in Los Angeles, and the film is widely regarded as a commentary on the state of American society in the 1970s. The film explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on veterans, and it remains relevant to this day.

One of the key themes of "Taxi Driver" is the idea of loneliness and isolation. Throughout the film, we see Travis struggling to connect with the people around him and becoming increasingly disillusioned with the world. This theme is reflected in the film's visual style, which often focuses on empty streets and empty rooms, creating a sense of loneliness and isolation. This theme is also reflected in the film's score, which features a haunting main theme that reinforces the sense of loneliness and isolation that Travis feels.

Another key theme of "Taxi Driver" is the idea of violence and its effects. The film explores the idea that violence can be both a destructive and a transformative force. Travis's violent quest is initially motivated by a desire to rid the city of its seedy underbelly, but it ultimately leads to his own transformation. This theme is a reminder that violence can have far-reaching and unintended consequencesand that it can be a dangerous force that can lead people to the brink of insanity. The film also addresses the idea of vigilantism and raises questions about the morality of taking the law into one's own hands.

In conclusion, "Taxi Driver" is a classic film that remains highly relevant and influential to this day. The film's powerful performances, particularly Robert De Niro's as Travis Bickle, its haunting score, and its brilliant cinematography make it a must-watch for fans of cinema. The film's themes of loneliness, alienation, violence, and the effects of PTSD continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of the most memorable and impactful films of all time.