MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver (1976)

posted 6 years ago by TheMan18 (12569)
34 replies | jump to latest

What do we all think of this legendary Scorsese classic starring De Niro?

In my opinion, it is simply a masterpiece, a brilliant film, definitely one of my top 20 favourite films EVER and certainly the best movie of 1976, and it is a tie with "Raging Bull" (1980) as my very favourite film directed by Martin Scorsese (and he HAS made some amazing films I tell you).

Perfectly acted, stunningly directed and photographed, with a very touching and haunting story, a character we could all relate to, amazing soundtrack, a film for which cinema has been invented, nothing short of 10/10 and an absolute masterpiece on every level and a movie I never get tired of watching.

I also think that this was the film that formed the career of Jodie Foster and also prepared her for other undeniably almost equally challenging roles that she played in "The Accused" (1988) and "Silence of the Lambs" (1991) and amazing performance indeed.

Plus it was also highly influential, and has had a major influence on some highly noteworthy masters of cinema that have no doubt referenced and paid a tribute to this film in their works, from Abel Ferrara to Quentin Tarantino and many others.

If you haven't seen it yet (but where have you been in that case?), buy the DVD or Blu-Ray now, your life of movie watching wouldn't be complete without it.

Also have fun debating, is Travis Bickle a HERO here?

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

I certainly enjoy the relationship twixt Travis & Betsy. That draw has remained rock solid 40+ years on. I've played it thru (future) in my mind countless times and find that thought journey very enjoyable. They make a fine couple, a fine looking couple. (Sweethearts) if I may. A couple of American angels.

That she shows up at the end as if in response to his purported "heroics" remains a disappointment. I don't like that, but, I've seen it, so, I'm stuck with it.

---

For the rest, it exists in specific flashes...

*Making that wrist slide for the automatic. It'd take me 3 full chest of drawers & two years to get that fuckin' thing. Even then, no.
*Goin' thru that diner and connecting with the black dudes sitting at those tables. That spot never grows old.
*Trying & failing to have a moment with a human being there at the candy counter in the beginning. (it's his wife)
*When the arms dealer lays out his arsenal. And then throws in the holster. It's the livin' shit.

Good citation, 18.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I think that guy playing the gun dealer was the real deal. I'm sure I read it somewhere.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Not quite but nearly ⤵
https://filmschoolrejects.com/easy-andy-pulp-fiction-fc87e496d9c4/

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Are you talking to me?

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

By the way, when I saw it for the very first time on TV in 2000, and I actually watched the whole movie WITH my parents, I was actually quite DISTURBED by the violent imagery towards the END, yes those shootings carried out by Travis Bickle, even if I knew that for the most part in those scenes, he was killing BAD people, as those who exploit and come into contact with vulnerable underage people sexually like that are dangerous parasites in my eyes, but the violence was STILL disturbing, and I was actually even a little surprised they achieved that in 1976.

Interestingly also, to date, there are still massive debates about whether or not Travis Bickle is a hero or a villain, or even, if much of what happens at the end was actually true or just a figments of Travis' imagination.

Maybe he is neither but somewhere in between, and isn't that the point?

That yes, those things portrayed are terrible no doubt, but would sorting it out with violent vigilante justice REALLY fix it?

Plus, it was kinda believed that in some cases, and even towards the end, some of those he killed or wounded by gunshot didn't really deserve it, including that kid in a store (yes, he was committing robbery, but still...), but wasn't that kind of also the point?

I kinda got the impression that he was neither hero nor villain, but certainly a little disturbed and on the dangerous side, but at least he tried to do SOME good for the community he was a part of, and I think the movie was sort of meant to be a criticism of the dark sides of societies, American or otherwise, in general.

Of course all that asides, its still a BRILLIANT film though and arguably the best of its type ever.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I agree with you that it is a masterpiece. Taxi Driver is my 9th favourite film of all time and my 2nd favourite Scorsese film, after The Departed. I own the blu ray and agree it is a must see film. I personally don't think of Travis as a hero, but I have no objection to others seeing him in a heroic way.

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

The Departed was very good yes, but both this and Raging Bull are overall much better and are the real ultimate Scorsese masterpieces.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

A great movie BUT...

... not a great first date movie.

Yeah, found that out the hard way back in high school when this first came out. I'm sure my date thought I was a closet psychopath.

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

Your story kinda mirrors the failed attempt at a love affair part with De Niro and that girl from the movie, especially when he tried to take her to that porno cinema theatre, hahaha. :)

Life imitating art - indeed, and still does many years and decades later.

[–] sambow (114) 6 years ago

agreed, not a first date movie, it's like taking your 16 year old date to see a Clint Eastwood Movie, doesn't work, you have to take her to a chick film,
having said that, Taxi Driver is one of my favorites, a truly great film, from the cast, acting, writing, directing, and the haunting score.

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Then she comes crawlin' back at the end after he's murdered multiple people & attempted to assassinate a Presidential candidate. Now, NOW, now she's ready to get it on with him.

What the hell is wrong with her?

***Ever notice when they're having their pie & coffee in that scene she has her legs spread wide under the table.

What the hell is wrong with her?

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

Stockholm Syndrome, perhaps?

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

In the movie "Way of the Gun" (2000), Juliette Lewis' character frequently did NOT want to be rescued from her kidnappers, despite the fact that, the risk of losing her baby asides, and their frequently careless behavior towards her along with threats of death, they constantly led her towards situations that caused her danger and MAJOR discomfort.

[–] Frogarama (12942) 6 years ago

I took a first date to see Magnolia, another bad choice. Never heard from her again.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Speaking of embarrassing movie experiences...

My mother and I were watching a movie together on TV W-A-A-Y back when, The Boston Strangler with Tony Curtis. I was about 12 or 13.

I forget the specifics, but there is a scene where an undercover female cop arranges to meet up with the suspected strangler. Although it turns it out he isn't the strangler, when the suspect first meets the female cop (his apartment? Can't remember exactly...) he immediately reaches out and runs his hands over her breasts with an approving look on his face.

There was an awkward silence between my mom and me that was broken only when she replied dryly: "Well, I guess that's better than shaking hands."

(PS: It was surprising that this scene made it past the network censors...)

[–] BillHicksFan (10146) 6 years ago

Here's Paul Schrader's script (who became a great director, too)
http://www.lc.ncu.edu.tw/learneng/script/TaxiDriver.pdf

[–] slimone (7996) 6 years ago

Why is there so much controversy about the ending? In your opinion was the ending for real or a dream or fantasy??

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Don't start that dream/fantasy horseshit tonite, sli. I ain't in the mood for it.

[–] BillHicksFan (10146) 6 years ago

lol

[–] TheMan18 (12569) 6 years ago

Yay, let's just debate the hero-ness or villain-ness of Travis Bickle, or not that, err, either?

[–] db20db (16229) 6 years ago

That is funny. I can see why he's such a John Huston fan; he's a crusty, old codger just like him.

[–] BillHicksFan (10146) 6 years ago

whose the John Huston fan? (besides me)

[–] db20db (16229) 6 years ago

Culburn

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Don't start, db, you're already in my doghouse.

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

You used to think the sun rose & set on my crusty ass.

- "i give up, what soured you on me? Not that I give a damn."

- "Hud" - "Hud"

[–] db20db (16229) 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

My problem is you sold out. You know what I'm talking about. Don't act innocent.

[–] db20db (16229) 6 years ago

I don't. Specify.

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Go back into your PM's. You'll find it.

[–] db20db (16229) 6 years ago

Ok, I think I did but at this time, I really can't remember what that was about. And having a change of heart and opinion isn't exactly " selling out. " Why did you bother to engage me about Man in the Wilderness if that's how you really feel because that's pretty damn hypocritical on your part ?

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Obviously I was conflicted about calling you on it.

[–] slimone (7996) 6 years ago

So . .. . . .why IS there so much controversy? Sort of like the ending of the Sopranos. Are you saying everything was real at the end of Taxi Driver? Just asking, not trying to provoke. . .

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Yes. It's never crossed my mind that it was otherwise.

I never watched the Sopranos. & I never heard there was a discussion about dream or fantasy with Taxi Driver.

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& Sli, I was just kidding when I said that last week. I was just being a wise ass.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 6 years ago

I agree, but is Travis Bickle a hero? I would say no. He's a whack job.

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