An unflinching glimpse into the life of a man ... on the edge of insanity, Taxi Driver is a brutally honest picture. DeNiro plays Travis Bickle, a New York City taxi driver, who lives a lonely existence in a run down apartment. He works compulsively, 6 or seven nights a week. He spends his free time in a XXX movie theater. He becomes obsessed with a woman working at a politician's campaign office. They actually go out for a date, but things go badly and Travis is sent spiraling further into a black abyss of anger and depression. Then theres young Jodie Foster, who plays a misguided teen prostitute that Travis feels the need to rescue from her horrible life, perhaps trying to rescue her before she finds herslf in the same hell that Travis lives in. The movie moves along smoothly, until finally climaxing in blood drenched violence. Some may find this portrait of Travis Bickle too unpleasant to enjoy, however I savor every second of this film. DeNiro's performance is second to none. Scorcese creates a vivid picture of the New York City nightlife, lighting scenes with neon lights of vibrant colors. It is very pleasing to the eye, if not entirely pleasing to the mind. This is one of my top five favorite movies, and I never tire of it. 5 Stars!
Ta...xi Driver is an outstanding film. The kind that they just don't make anymore. Everything that could possibly go right while making a movie DID in this one. You have stand out performances by Robert DeNiro who plays a lonely tortured ex-Marine cab driver named Travis Bickle. The visual of DeNiro standing in front of a mirror practicing how he's going to react to someone is one scene that is etched in people's memories forever. Watching the guns spring out from under his sleeves standing in front of the mirror with his iconic Mohawk saying over and over again, "You talking to ME", "You talking to ME", "You MUST be talking to ME because I'm the only one standing here". DeNiro readies himself for violence. Simply one of DeNiro's best performances on film and this actor has numerous brilliant roles all throughout his career. The director Martin Scorsese really came into his own while making the movie as well. His gritty depiction of New York's dirty underbelly showcases sad and lonely characters who fight their way through each day. DeNiro plays Travis Bickle, a self-appointed vigilante who makes it his business to rid New York of the filth and decay that populates it. He becomes a Guardian Angel to a young prostitute played by the 12 year old actress, Jodie Foster, who by no coincidence went on to win 2 Best Actress Oscars for her acting later on in life. Looking out after her leads Bickle into violently devastating consequences. Rounding out this perfect trifecta of Director, Lead Actor and Screenplay writer is the brilliant Paul Schrader who went on to become a successful Director himself. This excellent Masterpiece is not for everyone's taste. But for the ones who do take the opportunity to watch this unique vision of New York's desperate characters fighting their way through life, battling against everyone including themselves, then they will walk away in awe of the talent of the actors, of the exquisite writing and the delicate direction by Scorsese who guides this movie to New Heights with the slightest of touch. Scorsese likes to work with friends and professionals again and again and in this one you'll see not only Robert DeNiro but one of his other "go to" actors that he counts on regularly, Mr. Harvey Keitel who only helps elevate this film to new heights as well.
For anyone who has ever wondered WHY people walk around saying, &quo...t;Are you talkin' to ME?!", this movie is why. For anyone who wondered what the heck George Michael was trying to get across as a cab driver in his "Father Figure " video - this movie is your answer. It is a classic; a cultural icon, and of course, a disturbing piece of American history in the impact it had on real life would-be assassin, Hinkley. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this film is in how easy it is to sympathize with the title character. He could be anyone. Perhaps a part of him is in everyone - and that is the creepiest thought of all. Want to know what the heck all these esoteric and somewhat cryptic reviews are trying to say? SEE IT. OWN IT. You will not be the same for having watched it. DeNiro is a genius, and creepy as hell.
This is a great film. This is probably the best acting that Jod...i Foster and Robert Deniro have ever done. Jodi Foster was so great that I at times would forget she was only 12 at the time this movie was shot. Great story set in a decaying NYC. I saw this movie as a 12 year old kid back in the mid 70s and did not find it toubling. NYC was creapy just like the move at the time. The defense angle that Hinkley took was so strange during his trial. I think this movie should be shown in political science classes just for the historical perspective. It is also nice to look at how NYC looked when the DEMS ran it.. Rudy really cleaned the place up after 40 years of poor management. I remember NYC being spooky as a kid. Now it is clean and hospitable.
Classic movie, hard to find. Ver...y satisfied with the disc condition as well a great bargain.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned