Taxi Driver is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader, and starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, and Harvey Keitel. The film follows Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City. The perceived decadence and sleaze of the city fuels his urge for violent action. The film received critical acclaim and grossed $28.3 million in the United States, making it the 17th-highest-grossing film of 1976.
Plot
The film begins with Travis, a former Marine Corps sharpshooter, struggling to readjust to civilian life in New York City. He finds work as a taxi driver, where he meets a variety of passengers, including a politician, a priest, and a prostitute. Travis becomes involved in a plot to assassinate a political candidate, but instead kills a corrupt politician and attempts to assassinate a presidential aide. He is arrested and institutionalized in a mental institution, where his psychiatrist tries to help him understand the reasons behind his violent actions.
The film ends with Travis being released from the mental institution and returning to his life as a taxi driver. He meets a young woman named Jeanie, and they fall in love. However, Travis's violent tendencies continue to surface, and he becomes involved in a shootout with the police, resulting in his death. The film's ending suggests that Travis's violent actions may have been the result of his experiences in Vietnam and his struggle to adapt to civilian life.
Trailer
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle
- Jodie Foster as Jeanie
- Harvey Keitel as Tom
- Peter Boyle as Leonard Harris
- Alan Vint as Roy
- Sidney Lumet as Ben
- Martin Scorsese as The Driver
- Julia Phillips (producer)
- Phillip M. Goldfarb (associate producer)
- Michael Phillips (producer)
- Kay Chapin (script supervisor)
- Tom Rolf (editor)
- Melvin Shapiro (editor)
- Michael Chapman (cinematographer)
- Bernard Herrmann (composer)
- Malcolm McNab (musician: trumpet soloist, uncredited)
- Christopher Palmer (orchestrator, uncredited)
- Uan Rasey (musician: trumpet soloist, uncredited)
- Emil Richards (musician: percussion, uncredited)
- Tom Scott (musician: saxophone, uncredited)
- Dan Wallin (music engineer, uncredited)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Paul Schrader
Box Office Gross: $28,573,323
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 8, 1976
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 19, 2011
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 6, 2013
Theme
Taxi Driver explores themes of obsession, loneliness, and the struggle for identity. The film delves into the complexities of the human mind, showcasing the protagonist Travis Bickle's descent into madness.
Reception
The film has received widespread acclaim, with many references and homages appearing in popular culture. It has been preserved in the National Film Registry and is often listed as one of the greatest films of all time.
Settings
The film is set in New York City, with its gritty streets and alleys providing a backdrop for the story. The city's decadence and sleaze contribute to the overall atmosphere and influence Travis's actions.
Visual Styles
The film is known for its visually stunning cinematography masterfully captured by Michael Chapman. The cinematography immerses the audience in the film's atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and unease.
Techniques
Taxi Driver employs various cinematic techniques, such as slow motion, zoom shots, and intense lighting to emphasize the protagonist's mental state and the city's atmosphere. The film's soundtrack, composed by Bernard Herrmann, perfectly captures the intensity and unease of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Trivia
- The film marked the first collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and cinematographer Michael Chapman, who would go on to work together on several other projects.
- The film's iconic ending, featuring Travis's death in a shootout with the police, is a prime example of the film's powerful storytelling and exceptional performances.
Fun Facts
- The film's portrayal of New York City and its sleazy underworld has contributed to its enduring legacy and its status as a cinematic classic.
- The film's impact on popular culture is evident in its numerous references and homages in music, television, and other forms of media.