Taxi Driver

Definition

Taxi Driver is a 1976 film directed by Martin Scorsese that tells the story of Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. This film highlights the themes of isolation, urban decay, and societal alienation during a time when cities were grappling with rising crime rates and social unrest, making it a pivotal work in the depiction of urban life in cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Taxi Driver was released during a period when American cities faced significant challenges such as crime, poverty, and disillusionment, reflecting the mood of society at that time.
2. The film's iconic line 'You talkin' to me?' has become a cultural reference point, highlighting Travis Bickle's struggle with his identity and isolation.
3. Martin Scorsese's direction and Paul Schrader's screenplay combine to create a gritty portrait of 1970s New York City, serving as a backdrop for the protagonist's descent into madness.
4. The film explores themes of vigilantism as Bickle seeks to cleanse the city of its perceived moral decay, raising questions about justice and morality.
5. Taxi Driver received critical acclaim and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, solidifying its status as a classic in American cinema.

Review Questions

• How does Taxi Driver reflect the societal issues present in urban environments during the 1970s?
  • Taxi Driver serves as a mirror to the societal issues of the 1970s by showcasing urban decay, rising crime rates, and the sense of alienation experienced by individuals like Travis Bickle. The film portrays New York City as a place filled with desperation and disillusionment, effectively capturing the mood of an era where many felt disconnected from society. Through Bickle's eyes, viewers see the struggle against both external chaos and internal demons that were prevalent during this tumultuous time.
• In what ways does Taxi Driver utilize elements of the New Hollywood movement to convey its themes?
  • Taxi Driver embodies the New Hollywood movement through its raw storytelling, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of societal flaws. The film breaks from traditional narratives by presenting an antihero whose actions challenge moral conventions, reflecting the era's discontent with authority. Scorsese’s innovative direction and use of gritty realism not only emphasize urban life's challenges but also invite audiences to engage with deeper psychological and emotional conflicts present in Bickle's journey.
• Evaluate how Taxi Driver's portrayal of Travis Bickle contributes to discussions about mental health and societal isolation in modern urban settings.
  • Taxi Driver’s depiction of Travis Bickle is significant in discussions about mental health and societal isolation, as it highlights how individuals can become lost within sprawling urban landscapes. Bickle's mental instability serves as a commentary on how war trauma can manifest in isolation and violence. The film encourages viewers to consider the impact of social neglect on mental well-being, prompting reflections on how contemporary cities continue to grapple with similar issues of alienation and the need for support systems for those who feel disconnected from society.

Related terms

New Hollywood:

A movement in American cinema during the late 1960s and 1970s characterized by young filmmakers taking creative control and addressing darker themes, often reflecting societal issues.

Urban Decay: The process by which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and neglect, often leading to crime and social problems.

Antihero: A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often displaying morally ambiguous behavior, as seen in Travis Bickle's character.