Taxi Driver

About

"Taxi Driver" is a landmark film directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 1976. It follows Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran portrayed by Robert De Niro, who works as a night shift taxi driver in New York City. His chronic insomnia and loneliness lead him to frequent adult movie theaters and maintain a diary filled with aphorisms. Travis becomes infatuated with Betsy, a campaign volunteer, but their relationship ends abruptly after he takes her to a porn film. This rejection, combined with his disgust at urban decay and crime, fuels his descent into madness. Travis's obsession shifts to saving Iris, a 12-year-old prostitute, from her pimp. He undergoes intense physical training and buys illegal firearms. The film culminates in a violent confrontation where Travis kills Iris's pimp and others, but is severely injured. The ending is controversial, with some interpreting it as a fantasy where Travis is hailed as a hero. The film explores themes of isolation, societal disillusionment, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, making it a deeply unsettling yet fascinating character study.