Review of Taxi Driver (1976) by Stephen C — 25 Dec 2012

"You talkin' to me?" One of the most famous lines ever uttered in a film. Martin Scorsese's finest dramatic work thus far.

Despite any preconceived notions about Taxi Driver, this is not a violent film. A message that the film conveys is the idea that deep down everyone is violent, and the question that this film poses to it's viewers is "could I commit violence?" This is how violence in films was intended and that's how it should be. Written with such organic fluidity, and directed with magnificent grandeur. Martin Scorsese has made many masterpieces in his illustrious career but none shine brighter.

The blues-filled, powerful score by Bernard Herrmann gives me chills every time. Paired with Robert De Niro's narration this film's brilliant soundtrack adds to the depth and psychological progression of the film without coming across as overbearing or pretentious. Even as simple as it may be, the film's cinematography is bold and ambitious. The dissolving transitions and interestingly timed cuts help the flow of the film to move along smoothly.

Another major factor of the film for me was actually the seemingly unimportant filler scenes. Those filler scenes give the film a down-to-earth and actual feeling, these scenes give you the feeling that to be quite honest life is boring and as fast as it may seem times it actually moves pretty slow. These scenes also give greater detail to Cybil Shepherd's character.

The performances in this film are outstanding. Robert De Niro's tour-de-force performance as Travis Bickle is impeccable. The steep mental disintegration is conveyed perfectly. This unique character speaks volumes about the dark corners of the human psyche. The link between heroism and vigilantism, the odd male fascination with sexuality, and masks put on the top members of the social chain. Jodie Foster's star-making performance in this film will absolutely break your heart. This film ushered her into the world of dramatic filmmaking and without this film I don't think we would have so many of her best roles. Harvey Keitel is positively despicable, in a good way. Keitel's performance provides insight into the mind of a social parasite. He makes you despise him. And finally, Cybil Shepherd, this charming and innocent performance represents the love in Travis' life. Travis has pent up sexual tension and all he wants is a solid relationship. Cybil's character is Travis' relief and she continues to allude him. This performance is pivotal to not only the progression of the plot but more importantly of the character, and she pulls it off marvelously.

Easily one of my all time favorite films and in today's world it is sorely unappreciated. This film is an absolutely beautiful work of art!