Review of Taxi Driver (1954) by Aodhan R — 15 Feb 2015

In comparison to last year's 'Nightcrawler', starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Taxi Driver delivers a huge number of similarities, due to the tone, acting (of Robert De Niro), direction and screenwriting. These similarities make Nightcrawler a more updated version, which is more scarier, darker and questionable in many ways - but Taxi Driver is a classic; if I'd seen this movie before Nightcrawler, I'd probably assume Taxi Driver is a movie achievement that's unbeatable, but Nightcrawler is a more favourable option, as well. I believe comparing these movies to the eventual decision of which is the more preferable option is 50/50, as it's not an easy enough decision.

This is one of Scorsese's finest works of his career, and the teaming up with Robert De Niro to be cast as the lead, Travis Bickle, wasn't, subsequently, despicable, as his performance was, uniquely, compelling and unforgettable. De Niro definitely suits this movie, perfectly, as he fits in well with the, fantastically, written screenplay, by Paul Schrader, who wrote it with some fine dark tone - and the direction of Scorsese. De Niro convinces the audience that Bickle is a guy worth avoiding or taking an interest in, which is 50/50 choice, which I found, thoroughly, interesting, as a part is never portrayed so, amazingly, in many movies I've seen. It's understandable why this movie joined the classic agenda. De Niro also leaves Travis to be a debatable character, due to his dark and mental personality, but he still has care in the world, but is surrounded and outmaneuvered in the midst of the gangsters, chaos and oversuse of prostitution in New York's 'mean streets.' The audience are with De Niro all the way.

The cinematography of New York's mean streets is also superb, and, totally, develops something new about the the cinematic graphics of the streets of New York.

This movie helped push the career of Jodie Foster, who plays teen prostitude, Iris, and delivers a brief supporting, but brilliant performance.

Taxi Driver is definitely a classic and debatable movie that pushed the careers of De Niro, Foster, Scorsese and the rest of the cast and crew, as well, I believe.