Taxi Driver (1976)
Medium level violence, Medium level sex scenes, Medium level coarse language
| Director: | Martin Scorsese |
| Actors: | Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Cybill Shepherd, Leonard Harris |
Vietnam vet, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) works as a loner night-shift cabbie in New York. Roving the streets, he kills time by keeping a diary, popping pills and hanging out in porn theatres. A series of frustrations and his encounters with a 14-year-old prostitute (Jodie Foster) compel him to clean up the sordid milieu in which he operates. His answer; NO-HOLDS-BARRED VIOLENCE.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 110mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.85:1 |
| Run Time: | 110mins |
|---|---|
| File Size (Approx): | 1 GB |
Taxi Driver
by Jess Lomas, 29/05/2012 4:15:00 PM
“I’ll work anytime, anywhere.” So says Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), an insomniac, New York City taxi driver at the end of his rope in Martin Scorsese’s aptly-named 1976 masterpiece, Taxi Driver. Paul Schrader penned this psychological tale of a post-Vietnam War ex-marine who works the night-shift and feels disgusted by the decaying city and people around him. Eternally lonely, he seeks reciprocation of his feelings for Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), who volunteers for Senator Charles Palantine’s Presidential campaign. Although she initially gives him the benefit of the doubt, a date to an X-rated movie does not go down well, and her rejection only sends Travis spiralling deeper. When Travis meets 12-year-old prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), he makes it his mission to help her escape her pimp ...
“I’ll work anytime, anywhere.” So says Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), an insomniac, New York City taxi driver at the end of his rope in Martin Scorsese’s aptly-named 1976 masterpiece, Taxi Driver. Paul Schrader penned this psychological tale of a post-Vietnam War ex-marine who works the night-shift and feels disgusted by the decaying city and people around him. Eternally lonely, he seeks reciprocation of his feelings for Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), who volunteers for Senator Charles Palantine’s Presidential campaign. Although she initially gives him the benefit of the doubt, a date to an X-rated movie does not go down well, and her rejection only sends Travis spiralling deeper.
When Travis meets 12-year-old prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), he makes it his mission to help her escape her pimp Sport (Harvey Keitel); his newly acquired guns giving him the added confidence. What follows is a surprising and breathtaking chain of events, skilfully directed by Scorsese with an original score by Bernard Herrmann.
Perhaps the pinnacle of De Niro’s career, and certainly a distant memory compared to his recent ventures, his portrayal of a man on the cusp of a psychological breakdown is what every aspiring actor should study. He is said to have worked 12-hour shifts as a taxi driver, and studied mental illness, all in preparation for this role. Couple this with some unforgettable dialogue, including the most famous line — “You talkin’ to me?” - and you can see why Taxi Driver has earned itself a cult following and a place on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years 100 Movies list.
It seems a shame that Taxi Driver lost Best Picture at the Academy Awards to Rocky, as well as De Niro bowing out in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category to Peter Finch for Network. Yet the feature has, in many ways, outshone its awards competitors all these years later, and is such a joy to watch whether for the first or fiftieth time. There is much to respect about this film; from the use of improvisation to religious symbolism and the exceptionally measured performances, Scorsese truly struck gold.
Taxi Driver is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and can be streamed via Quickflix's Watch Now service.4.5/5
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Member Reviews (71)
71 Member
Reviews
D.M.
says
Times when I've seen documentaries on film that feature the classics, there's often been mention of Taxi Driver: before actually seeing it now, I've only ever seen snippets. I was amazed at this movie, the sheer brilliance of film-making. Scorsese left nothing to chance, everything - to the casting, script, cinematography etc. will make this one of the all-time film events. The scene where Travis goes to Iris's apartment towards the end is nothing like anything you'll see on tv involving any similar scenario - it's raw and shocking, devastatingly powerful. The film is full of symbolism like in the use of colours - a lot of red, white and blue. The scene in the diner where Travis is talking to Iris has them both wearing red shirts, while in the background, red cars and trucks pass outside in the street. On the wall behind Iris is a picture of butterflys, all designed to put across greater depth to the interaction of characters and dialogue. To see this film again would be to find more of the dirctor's art hidden in each scene. It's a must see if you haven't already.
E..
says
An American classic. While the movie itself is good, I do not like the culture depicted, where everybody can purchase guns with all the tragic consequences that follow... Interestingly (and how ironic!) a few years later or so there was an attempt on president Ronald Raegan's life, inspired exactly and directly by the story and characters depcted in this film... (Read about it on Wikipedia if interested (under "Taxi driver film"). What a crazy world...
thybloodredrose
says
This is one cool movie, a lot of really fine video work here!!!
Josh
says
A true masterpiece. I consider Taxi Driver to not only be Martin Scorsese's greatest directorial achievement and one of Robert De Niro's best performances, but one of the best films ever made. It's thought provoking, dark, original and disturbing and all of these things led to it being one of the most powerful experiences I've had watching a film.
Nicole
says
Interesting to see the likes of Robert De Niro probably 33 in this one, Jodie Foster was 14, & Cybill Shepherd at 26 years I think.
I was conceived at this time so seeing these old actors today in their young years shows how we are all attractive once.
Not bad for 1976, the naughty underground seemed innocent compared to today's standard.
Cameron
says
I enjoyed this movie, cool story with a cool/unexpected ending - A good watch.
Aaliah
says
I didnt really enjoy this movie. Too old for me. Robert DeNiro for me is a great actor in any role but i dont like him in this one.
Danny
says
Not much to say besides.. This is a good watch.. =D
Dean J.
says
This is ok but it's a bit slow and I found the ending pretty strange. I don't get the 'R' rating, maybe it shocked people in 1976, but it's pretty tame now.
Joanne H.
says
Quintessential performance of a pyschopath by De Niro. The city may be a sewer but he's the scariest thing in it - brillant performances by De Niro and Foster. Definitely a classic - must see...
ka-tet
says
This is my third viewing and I'm rating it highly because it gets better each time. Like a cloudless night sky the stars dazzle in this.
Tim
says
A film that never really captures the imagination with unbelievable characters and a storyline that doesn't satisfy. A curiosity piece at best.
Laine G.
says
Not at all what I expected and hardly worth the hype. The only interesting part about the film was watching a young Jodi Foster and Robert DeNiro. I waited through the whole film for it to become intersting but it never did and the end just sort of fizzled out - hardly a climax. Ok to watch for the history if you have nothing else worthwhile in your queue - otherwise don't bother - there are plenty of better films than this one!
Michael W.
says
Very slow but De Niro, Shepherd and Foster were all on good form.
Liana
says
This is De Niro at the start of his acting career and it is clearly a sign of things to come from this talented actor.
Some may not "get" this movie or will feel like it needed something more, but you need to read between the lines in this one to truly appreciate the storyline and to fully understand the character, life and mind of the Taxi Driver.
Marc T.
says
The creative genius of Scorsese mixed with the stellar performance's from both DeNiro and Foster make this a film to remember.
The fact that Travis, the hero, is portrayed as a fallible man and not some cliched knight in shining armour.
Kali S.
says
I had a moral problem with this film. Travis is a young, porn-obsessed, at times misogynistic, troubled man. He believes that it's alright to see females in an entirely sexual light, perhaps even over-sexualising them in pornography, and that women should accept him for who he is, even if he's disrespectful to them, but yet, he believes it's his moral duty to kill those who visit a fourteen year old prostitute. I had no problem with his over-sexualised lifestyle, but I found it difficult to stomach his judgments for a city that he's no better than. A bigger moral problem though, is that the makers of this film tout a very brutal anti-child-abuse message, however they forget that they are making money off of a young, sexualised Jodie Foster, who dresses and acts provocatively throughout the film. For those reasons, I couldn't take this movie seriously. To me, there are much better movies that explore violence, children and the depravity of the world than this very dated movie. It's a film mostly for adult men, I believe, as they mightn't have so much of a problem with Travis' attitude toward females as I did. If it's you're sort of thing -which it obviously is for lots of people, judging by the reviews- go for it. I just couldn't get anything out of it.
Jessica T.
says
Watching this you can see why De Niro is such a screen legend, an absolutely stella perfomance at such a young age! Also Jodie Foster giving a glimpse of what was to come.
Terry W.
says
Kylie G.
says
Paul G.
says
Seems very slow at times, had heard so much about this movie that I guess I was expecting more, still worth a watch to see the classic line "are you talking to me".
Greg J.
says
Jim B.
says
Great movie. Robert De Niro is very convincing as he comes unhinged.
Betty K.
says
smeggers
says
Easy to see why this movie is iconic. Visually amazing. Pacino at his incredible best taking the audience on a phsychological rollercoaster of the lonely insomniac.
Ian G.
says
Really enjoyed watching taxi driver second time around.
Nola B.
says
Not really my kind of movie, too much bloody killing, but interesting to see a young Robert de Niro and very young Jodie Foster
Gareth V.
says
Lee M.
says
Amazing film that is interesting and captivating. This is not an action film it is an intense drama. Ending is some what surprising.
Bob S.
says
Terry K.
says
not a bad movie good story line i thought
lucy
says
Erica S.
says
Fantastic to see that stars like Robert DeNiro and Jodie Foster always have been stars (and always will be). Great movie for the time that it was made - must have been controversial and ahead of its time when released!
Elizabeth O.
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Ruth B.
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Elizabeth O.
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Said A.
says
Mr De Nero looks almost too intelligent, or at least too shrewd to personify the guy he is portraying, and yet the movie has a certain logic of narrative which makes it enjoyable. Not a bad movie
John S.
says
Kinda slow and dated, but some excellent acting.
Alec L.
says
Anastasia N.
says
As a standard setter it's good but not great. The story is slow moving and it's hard to actually like anyone in this film but you can see that in it's time some might have found it interesting. De Niro is good but not the phenomenal performance everyone makes it out to be.
Julie M.
says
Slow, slow and even slower.
Barry P.
says
I had heard only good things about this movie and it doesent dissapoint exciting and gritty
Kathleen P.
says
Over-rated. Wooden dialogue and to be honest, I didn't really get it. Maybe it is a seventies thing.
Kylie
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David P.
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Andrew H.
says
I had heard and read so many good things about Taxi Driver. MAybe it was ground-breaking in its day, but to me it jumped around too much and didn't really focus on any particular element of the story line. And Albert Brooks has ridiculous hair.
Ian G.
says
Took a while to get going, but then the action began.
Janet B.
says
Not a film I would show the kids .I dont like so much blood and gun violence but I couldnt turn it off. the taxi driver himself was a complex person that leaves one thinking about him still the next day.This suggests that it is a very good film technically and story wise.
Fred W.
says
Emma J.
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Frank M.
says
This is without question a modern (well, I remember when it was originally released!) classic. The story is about ex-marine Travis Bickle (De Niro) who appears to be suffering post traumatic stress disorder and is unable to adjust to life in New York city after his discharge. He takes a job driving taxis at night because he can't sleep, and slowly begins to unravel at the seams as the city's night life disgusts him more and more. This is based on a true story, and director Martin Scorsese uses his beloved New York city as a palette with which to paint a truly atmospheric and disturbing story. The music score by Bernard Herrmann (his last) is perfect, and the performances all round are brilliant.
Wade P.
says
Jan K.
says
Got this one for my husband as he would occasionally mention that it had been a favourite, but hadn't seen it since its release. He still raves about it!
Martin B.
says
If you need to read reviews to decide on this movie, you've either been living in a cave or been stuck watching soapies for too long.
Stop reading and click the button!!
Arthur K.
says
well acted but considerable violence
Barbara S.
says
Sarah M.
says
Taxi Driver is a slow film which takes the time to watch a man's journey and although it is an extreme journey the reality of the experience is beautifully portrayed.
JamesFrangi
says
Nothing great. Despite the rave reviews and being the in-thing when it was first screened many years ago, watching the movie now does not give one the sense that it has a good story line. Low budget movie. The saving grace are the appearances of heavyweight actors Robert de Niro and Jodie Forster. The quality of CD, sound track is garbled and certainly not in its original condition. It can be quite frustrating especially when trying to make sense of the dialogue with all the noisy background noises.
Peter T.
says
A Great movie. I felt close to the character with his loneliness, anger and joy.
C. L.
says
Carrie S.
says
I expected better.
Barry Lloyd
says
Masterpiece - relentlessly moody portrait of a disaffected loner. Far too subtle for many modern viewers jaded by on screen blood and violence.
ACM
says
A classic, De Niro at his creepy best, should watch it at least once
Roslyn Mcauliffe
says
Wanted to see if it was a good as they say, probably was in it's day, now just another movie.
Eric Holroyd
says
This is a very early Robert De Niro film and I just loved it! His character is very complex and the excellent script builds it all up to a great climax very nicely.
John White
says
Tim Hart
says
A somewhat bleak and disturbing film, takes a long time to get anywhere but DeNero does his part justice as always.
James Macmillan
says
Well, interesting to see actors in their early stages namely De Niro.
Cinefile
says
Angus
says
De Niro's performance is pretty good, worth watching but the story lacks depth.
Josip
says