Taxi Driver 1976: The Film That Changed Cinema

A Timeless Masterpiece

Released in 1976, Taxi Driver is a searing indictment of urban alienation and violence that has left an indelible mark on cinema. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City.

Travis is a lonely and disillusioned man, haunted by the horrors of war and the decay of society. He works long hours, driving through the city's seedy underbelly, and becomes increasingly obsessed with violence and the need to "cleanse" the streets.

The film's unflinching depiction of violence, including a particularly brutal rape scene, shocked audiences at the time. However, Taxi Driver has also been praised for its powerful performances, gritty realism, and thought-provoking themes.

The Impact of Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver has had a profound impact on cinema. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time and has been cited as an influence by countless filmmakers. The film's depiction of urban violence has been particularly influential, and it has been credited with helping to spark a wave of gritty, realistic crime films in the 1970s and 1980s.

The film has also been praised for its psychological realism. Travis Bickle is a complex and troubled character, and his descent into madness is both tragic and chilling. Taxi Driver has been credited with helping to destigmatize mental illness and has encouraged a greater understanding of the challenges faced by veterans.

The Cast and Crew of Taxi Driver

The cast and crew of Taxi Driver are all top-notch. Robert De Niro gives a career-defining performance as Travis Bickle, and he is ably supported by Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, and Albert Brooks.

Director Martin Scorsese creates a gritty and realistic world for his characters, and he uses masterful camerawork and editing to create a sense of tension and suspense. The film's iconic score by Bernard Herrmann is another highlight.

The Legacy of Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is a timeless masterpiece that continues to be relevant today. The film's themes of alienation, violence, and mental illness are still resonant in the 21st century. The film is a must-see for any fan of cinema.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watching Taxi Driver

1. Don't expect a happy ending. Taxi Driver is not a feel-good movie. It is a dark and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
2. Don't sympathize with Travis Bickle. Travis is a deeply disturbed man, and his actions are often reprehensible. It is important to remember that he is not a hero.
3. Don't watch Taxi Driver alone. The film can be very disturbing, and it is best to watch it with someone who can help you process what you have seen.

How to Watch Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services. The film is rated R for violence, language, and sexual content.

Step-by-Step Approach to Understanding Taxi Driver

1. Watch the film. Pay close attention to the characters, the plot, and the themes.
2. Read about the film. There are many books and articles that can help you understand Taxi Driver.
3. Talk to someone about the film. Discuss your thoughts and feelings about the film with a friend, family member, or therapist.

Conclusion

Taxi Driver is a powerful and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you watch it. The film is a must-see for any fan of cinema, and it is a film that will continue to be relevant for generations to come.

Additional Resources

• Taxi Driver on IMDb
• Taxi Driver on Rotten Tomatoes
• Taxi Driver on Wikipedia

Tables

Table 1: Box Office Performance of Taxi Driver

| Year | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | $28.3 million |
| 2012 (re-release) | $1.6 million |
| Total | $29.9 million |

Table 2: Awards and Nominations for Taxi Driver

| Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Award for Best Picture | Nominated |
| Academy Award for Best Director | Nominated |
| Academy Award for Best Actor (Robert De Niro) | Nominated |
| Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster) | Won |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama | Won |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Director | Won |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Robert De Niro) | Won |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Jodie Foster) | Won |

Table 3: Taxi Driver in Popular Culture

| Reference | Work |
|---|---|---|
| "Taxi Driver" | Song by Red Hot Chili Peppers |
| "Taxi Driver" | Novel by Travis Bickle |
| "Taxi Driver" | Video game |
| "Taxi Driver" | Clothing line |

Table 4: Keywords

| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi Driver | Film released in 1976 |
| Martin Scorsese | Director of Taxi Driver |
| Robert De Niro | Actor who played Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver |
| Jodie Foster | Actress who played Iris in Taxi Driver |
| Harvey Keitel | Actor who played Sport in Taxi Driver |
| Cybill Shepherd | Actress who played Betsy in Taxi Driver |
| Albert Brooks | Actor who played Tom in Taxi Driver |
| Alienation | Feeling of isolation and estrangement |
| Violence | Use of physical force to cause harm |
| Mental illness | Condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior |