Story
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this 1976 iconic American psychological thriller-drama film is a dark and compelling exploration of urban alienation. The film stars Robert De Niro in one of his most memorable roles as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran working as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City. His increasing paranoia and obsession with purifying the morally decaying city lead him down a path of violence and vigilantism. The screenplay, written by Paul Schrader, captures the gritty and grimy atmosphere of the 1970s New York, adding to the film’s disturbing yet fascinating aura.
Martin Scorsese, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his command of narrative and character complexity, cemented his status as a major director with this work. Known for other masterpieces like "Raging Bull" (1980) and "Goodfellas" (1990), Scorsese’s collaboration with De Niro in this film is particularly noteworthy. Their dynamic partnership brought profound depth to the film, showcasing Scorsese’s talent for eliciting powerful performances from his actors and his ability to weave intricate, character-driven stories.
The cast also includes Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, and Albert Brooks, all of whom deliver remarkable performances that contribute to the film’s enduring legacy. Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Iris, a young prostitute whom Bickle seeks to "save," marked her as a talent to watch and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film was a critical success and received numerous accolades, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It remains to this day a seminal film in American cinema and a testament to Scorsese’s directorial prowess.
