Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver (1976) is a psychological drama directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader, and starring Robert De Niro in one of his most iconic roles. The film is a dark and intense portrayal of urban alienation and moral decay, set in the gritty streets of New York City during the 1970s.
The story follows Travis Bickle (De Niro), a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver in the city’s seedy underbelly. Travis becomes increasingly disturbed by the corruption, crime, and moral decay he witnesses on a daily basis. As his isolation and inner turmoil grow, he develops a violent obsession with cleansing the city.
Travis fixates on two women: Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a political campaign worker whom he unsuccessfully tries to woo, and Iris (Jodie Foster), a 12-year-old child prostitute he becomes determined to “save” from her pimp, Sport (Harvey Keitel). His mental state deteriorates, leading him down a path of violent vigilantism as he tries to find meaning and purpose in his life.
Taxi Driver is renowned for its exploration of themes such as loneliness, alienation, and the effects of urban decay on the human psyche. Robert De Niro’s performance as Travis Bickle, including his famous “You talkin’ to me?” scene, has become legendary.
The film also features an iconic score by Bernard Herrmann and is considered one of the greatest films in cinema history. Its raw, gritty portrayal of a man’s descent into madness, along with its social commentary on the disenfranchised in society, has left a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.
