boeseadamj Review of Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver (1976)

An isolated NYC taxi driver gets fed up with the apathetic city he lives in.

[9/10 · 7 December 2016]

This film is madly interesting. Its examination of Travis makes me examine my own morals. The murder of the pimps in itself is less problematic than Travis's motivations. Travis's loneliness reaches the audience on some visceral level as well as his disgust with society to some extent. But their is still something unnerving about him as a character and I feel uncomfortable condoning his actions even though I sort of do. And that is a really powerful struggle that this film conveys. A disturbing and alienating view of this character that the audience still understands. I also appreciate the very strong visual storytelling that this film contains. Martin Scorsese is a master behind the camera, especially during scenes like the classic mirror scene, or alka seltzer close up. The decision to hold the camera just a little longer than perhaps some other directors is very bold, not to mention effective.