Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel and Jodie Foster
‘A Timeless Classic’
Not many directors in Hollywood have created a legacy as enduring as Martin Scorsese. Ever since his rise to recognition during the 1970’s, Scorsese has proven to be one of the world’s best filmmakers. His films are characterized by grim violence, themes of guilt and fascinating characters. Through his phenomenal style, he has left a lasting mark on the film industry. Scorsese’s films are undoubtedly considered to be classics today.
Scorsese has made many unforgettable films in his illustrious career, but “Taxi Driver” stands out the most. Released in 1976, Scorsese’s film about an anti-social taxi driver has stood the test of time as a crime classic. Boasting powerful production-design, gripping storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s one of those movies that works on every level. Ultimately, what makes it stand out is its strong message about mental health. Ahead of its time, it’s a groundbreaking movie that addressed issues of mental health which were rarely discussed in society during the 1970’s.
Set in 1970’s New York City, “Taxi Driver” tells a story of an anti-social taxi driver turning to violence to cope with tragedy. Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a lonely taxi driver that is disgusted by the state of his city. Bickle can’t stand the prostitution, crime and politics of his city. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, Bickle turns towards violence to battle filth of a decaying city.
Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the theme of violence. Scorsese has always excelled telling stories of gangsters committing violence. With “Taxi Driver”, however, Scorsese crafted his first film about New York City. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the state of New York City in 1970’s, but he succeeded effectively. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Scorsese deftly used extreme close-up shots to capture a unique perspective of a taxi driver. The film often focuses on Travis’ face as he rides a cab through New York City. By these extreme close-up shots, Scorsese deftly captures the experience of a taxi driver feeling lonely in New York City.
Another extraordinary aspect of “Taxi Driver” that contributes to its success is production-design. Through shooting in real-life locales across New York during the 1970’s, Scorsese manages to capture the beauty of the city. Whether it’s the dark and gloomy alleyways or the shady prostitution bars, New York plays a crucial role throughout the movie. Scorsese’s decision to use real-life locales lends a sense of authenticity to the movie. It gives viewers a sensation of being transported back in time to 1970’s New York City. Through the phenomenal production-design, Scorsese captures a rotting city facing a decline.
As is the case with any Scorsese movie, “Taxi Driver” is beautifully written. Paul Schrader’s screenwriting strength is capturing the psyche of a mentally unstable veteran through voice-over narration. Throughout the movie, Travis is a narrator that expresses his feelings towards the decaying state of New York. Travis is an outspoken narrator that confesses his emotions through narration. This narration is most evident in the iconic mirror scene. During this unforgettable scene, Travis talks to himself in front of a mirror expressing his emotions in an open manner. It’s a strong example of how narration could be used in movies to heighten tension. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Scorsese captures the mind of a troubled war veteran facing decay.
When discussing “Taxi Driver”, one can’t forget about the extraordinary acting.
Robert De Niro delivers one of his best career performances as Travis Bickle. In his second collaboration with Scorsese, De Niro creates one of the most fascinating characters in the history of Cinema. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a troubled war veteran with an anti-social personality but De Niro pulls it off successfully. With captivating expressions, De Niro conveys the angst, loneliness and resentment of a taxi driver struggling to fit in with society. It’s one of the greatest performances in cinematic history which launched a career of a movie-star that is legendary.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for De Niro, the supporting cast is also superb. Jodie Foster is fantastic, capturing the sweet personality of a child prostitute forced to sell her body to beat poverty making ends meet. Cybill Shepherd is captivating, capturing the feminist personality of a woman which can’t stand misogyny. Finally, Harvey Keitel is also excellent. In one of his first roles, Keitel brings heartbreaking emotion to a despicable drug dealer.
Although “Taxi Driver” is undeniably a timeless masterpiece, ultimately it isn’t a movie which is intended for everyone. If there’s a minor shortcoming to the film, not everyone may find it appealing. It tackles provocative themes such as mental health, prostitution and violence which aren’t going to please everyone. Viewers sensitive towards scenes of gruesome violence might not enjoy the movie. Like any Scorsese movie, it’s a dark depiction of humanity. Therefore, “Taxi Driver” offers cab rides that not everyone would want to go on.
Nevertheless, fans of Martin Scorsese would definitely appreciate “Taxi Driver” and so will movie-goers seeking intense entertainment.
Nearly 40 years after the release of an iconic film about taxi drivers observing moral decay of 1970’s New York City, it’s a bold reminder of a classic movie that forever changed the world through its realistic depiction of mental health made by one of the world’s greatest directors in Cinema history that has left behind a strong legacy.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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