MovieChat Forums > David Holzman's Diary (1975) Discussion > A kind of proto-TAXI DRIVER?

A kind of proto-TAXI DRIVER?

posted 12 years ago by jdennist
3 replies | jump to latest

While I wouldn't say the two films are hugely similar, DAVID HOLZMAN left with a definite impression of this. A few points of comparison:

1. Both films are set in New York, and emphasize the unglamorous side of it.
2. David is confronting the possibility of being drafted; Travis is a veteran.
3. David keeps his cinematic diary, which includes a number of monologues in which he discusses his views on life; Travis keeps a written diary, and in voice-over we learn that it contains his own views on life.
4. David has a rather shaky relationship with a young woman whom he ultimately alienates (by his invasion of her privacy with his camera), with the relationship ultimately ending over the phone; Travis attempts to forge a relationship with Betsy, but after taking her to a porno, she breaks things off with him, and he calls her, trying to patch things up--he fails.
5. David develops an obsession with a neighbor of his, watching her from a distance; Travis develops a fixation (albeit of a different nature) with Iris, although he actually develops a connection with her.
6. As the film progresses, David seems to become more isolated, desperate, and unhinged; Travis is no different.

Of course, TAXI DRIVER, which develops its themes at much greater length and with more skill, is a masterpiece, while DAVID HOLZMAN'S DIARY is merely quite good. But I think the two have more in common than one would suspect.

[–] ripleylives 11 years ago

Nice comparison. I watched "Death Wish" a few days before I finally saw DHD after hearing about it for 40+ years; could make for a provocative triple feature.

[–] jdennist 11 years ago

Especially when you consider the emotions each film was intended to elicit.

[–] Scorpio_65 8 years ago

These are some really excellent comparisons. I just watched this film today and it reminded me in some ways of Martin Scorcese's 'Who's That Knocking at my Door'. Although the themes of both films are mostly different, the black and white documentary-style cinematography of both films really provided a time capsule experience of mid-late 1960s New York. There was a lot of "slice of life" realism emphasized in the mise-en-scènes of both films but the bits of grain and grit on the screen really provided a surreal, almost fantasty-like tone while watching, somewhat like old home movies. Watching this film was a refreshing experience.