Taxi Driver (1976)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, and Albert Brooks, the film follows Travis Bickle (De Niro), a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City. The film delves into themes of urban decay, loneliness, and the psychological effects of war.

The Story Unfolds

Travis Bickle’s Isolation

Travis Bickle is a 26-year-old honorably discharged Marine who suffers from insomnia and depression. He takes a job driving a taxi at night in New York City, a job that exposes him to the city’s seedier side. Travis is a loner, disconnected from society, and becomes increasingly disturbed by the crime and urban decay he witnesses.

Betsy and Political Aspirations

Travis becomes infatuated with Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a campaign volunteer for Senator Charles Palantine (Leonard Harris). He convinces her to go on a date with him, but their relationship quickly deteriorates after he takes her to a pornographic movie. Betsy rejects Travis, further deepening his sense of alienation and anger.

The Climax and Resolution

Obsession with Iris

Travis’s mental state continues to deteriorate as he becomes obsessed with saving Iris (Jodie Foster), a 12-year-old prostitute controlled by her pimp, Sport (Harvey Keitel). He decides to take action, buying an arsenal of guns and embarking on a mission to “clean up” the city.

The Attempted Assassination

Travis initially plans to assassinate Senator Palantine, believing it will make a significant impact. However, he is thwarted by Secret Service agents and flees the scene. His failure leads him to focus solely on rescuing Iris.

The Conclusion

The Violent Climax

Travis storms the brothel where Iris works, killing Sport, the brothel manager, and a client in a bloody shootout. Travis himself is severely wounded but survives. The police arrive to find him covered in blood, surrounded by the bodies of his victims.

Media Portrayal and Ambiguous Ending

The film concludes with newspaper clippings praising Travis as a hero for rescuing Iris. Travis recovers and returns to his taxi-driving job, seemingly unchanged. The final scene, where he glances suspiciously in his rear-view mirror, suggests that his violent tendencies and psychological issues remain unresolved.

Movie Ending

Taxi Driver ends on an ambiguous note, with Travis being hailed as a hero despite his violent actions. The film leaves viewers questioning his mental state and the implications of his return to normal life, highlighting the complexity of his character and the societal issues the film explores.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Taxi Driver.

Type of Movie

Taxi Driver is a psychological thriller and drama that incorporates elements of film noir and social commentary.

Cast

• Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle
• Jodie Foster as Iris
• Cybill Shepherd as Betsy
• Harvey Keitel as Sport
• Peter Boyle as Wizard
• Albert Brooks as Tom
• Leonard Harris as Senator Charles Palantine

Film Music and Composer

Bernard Herrmann, renowned for his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, composed the film’s score. Herrmann crafted the music for Taxi Driver shortly before his death, infusing the film with a tense and haunting atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The production shot Taxi Driver on location in New York City, showcasing the gritty and deteriorating urban landscape of the 1970s.

Awards and Nominations

Taxi Driver received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster), and Best Original Score.
• Cannes Film Festival: Won the Palme d’Or.
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Robert De Niro prepared for the role by obtaining a taxi driver’s license and working 12-hour shifts.
• The film’s famous “You talkin’ to me?” scene was improvised by De Niro.
• Jodie Foster, who was 12 during filming, was protected by child labor laws and had to be accompanied by a social worker. Some of her scenes were performed by her older sister, Connie Foster, as a body double.

Inspirations and References

Paul Schrader drew inspiration for his screenplay from his own experiences of loneliness and alienation, alongside the diaries of Arthur Bremer, who attempted to assassinate presidential candidate George Wallace. The screenplay also reflects the themes and styles of classic film noir.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows the original script. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Paul Schrader wrote the original screenplay for Taxi Driver. Scholars and critics have analyzed its influence and themes in numerous books and essays, examining its impact and importance in cinema.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Travis’s first encounter with Betsy.
• The “You talkin’ to me?” scene.
• Travis’s preparation for his violent mission.
• The climactic shootout in the brothel.
• The final scene of Travis driving his taxi, glancing in the rear-view mirror.

Iconic Quotes

• “You talkin’ to me?” – Travis Bickle
• “Loneliness has followed me my whole life.” – Travis Bickle
• “Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets.” – Travis Bickle

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s use of color, particularly red, symbolizes Travis’s descent into violence and madness.
• The recurring motif of mirrors and reflections highlights Travis’s fragmented psyche and self-perception.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $1.9 million, and it grossed over $28 million worldwide.
• Bernard Herrmann completed the score for Taxi Driver just hours before his death in 1975.
• The film’s portrayal of violence and its impact on viewers has been widely discussed and analyzed, contributing to its status as a classic.

Why Watch?

Taxi Driver offers a powerful and disturbing exploration of loneliness, urban decay, and the psychological effects of war. Its compelling narrative, iconic performances, and influential direction make it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and classic cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

Martin Scorsese also directed:

• Mean Streets (1973)
• Raging Bull (1980)
• Goodfellas (1990)
• Casino (1995)
• The Departed (2006)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Raging Bull (1980)
• Goodfellas (1990)
• American Psycho (2000)
• Drive (2011)
• The King of Comedy (1982)

Taxi Driver is a classic film in American cinema. It offers a deep and unsettling look at the mind of an alienated individual in a decaying urban landscape.