Review of Taxi Driver (1954) by Campbell P — 02 Mar 2015

Taxi Driver was one of the most interesting films I've seen. It was really nothing that I've seen before. The story follows Travis, a cab driver who is lonely and depressed and hates the scum he encounters in New York while driving his cab.

He soon goes into a downward spiral and goes to insanity. Robert DeNiro was amazing in this movie. His performance pulled this movie to greatness. I loved how he was a genuinely nice guy but his depression gets the best of him, causing him to do crazy things which is very realistic and scary.

Jodie Foster also gave a good performance. She was good at playing the 12 year old prostitute who was easily manipulated and a sad runaway. The conversation between Travis and Iris was very touching the way he was able to get through to her because in a way they are very alike and because of that, was able to relate to her and help himself in a way.

The conversations he has with the riders of his cab were really interesting to listen to because every time he talked to someone about himself I was able to figure out more about him. The ending perfectly portrays that he wants to help Iris but is also going insane at the same time.

The ending was a bit bittersweet but I kinda liked it, it was gutsy but also a bit heartfelt. Taxi Driver had me invested in the story and Robert DeNiro's performance but at times got kind of lost in the story's details.

A classic for sure. B+.