Movie
Drama, Crime, Psychological Thriller
Release Date: February 8, 1976

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Paul Schrader
Composer: Bernard Herrmann

Main Cast:

• Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle
• Jodie Foster as Iris
• Cybill Shepherd as Betsy
• Harvey Keitel as Sport
• Albert Brooks as Tom

Plot Summary

Taxi Driver (1976) follows the harrowing descent of Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran turned New York City cab driver. Haunted by insomnia and alienated from society, Travis spends his nights driving through the city’s grimy, crime-ridden streets, witnessing its darkest corners.

Driven by loneliness and anger, Travis becomes increasingly obsessed with cleansing the city of its perceived filth. His delusions of grandeur and moral justice collide when he meets two women: Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a political campaign worker he idealizes, and Iris (Jodie Foster), a 12-year-old girl trapped in a life of exploitation.

As Travis spirals further into madness, he arms himself for a violent showdown that will either cement his role as a vigilante hero or reveal the depths of his fractured psyche.

Highlights

• Powerful Performance: Robert De Niro delivers a career-defining performance, embodying Travis Bickle’s descent into paranoia and violence with chilling authenticity.
• Cinematic Mastery: Martin Scorsese’s gritty direction and Bernard Herrmann’s haunting final score create a foreboding atmosphere that mirrors Travis’s mental state.
• Iconic Lines: “You talkin’ to me?” remains one of the most quoted and iconic moments in film history, showcasing Travis’s unraveling mind.
• Complex Themes: The film explores loneliness, alienation, and the search for purpose in an indifferent world, resonating deeply with audiences.
• Social Commentary: A raw portrayal of 1970s New York City, highlighting its urban decay and societal issues.

Reception

Taxi Driver was a critical and commercial success upon release, earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Robert De Niro. Jodie Foster’s performance as Iris was also widely praised, cementing her as a rising star.

The film has since become a cornerstone of American cinema, revered for its psychological depth, unforgettable characters, and uncompromising exploration of the human condition.

Why You Should Watch

Taxi Driver is more than a movie—it’s a deep, thought-provoking character study and a chilling reflection of urban life and individual disconnection. Martin Scorsese’s vision and Robert De Niro’s unforgettable portrayal make this film an enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate and disturb viewers.

Step into the yellow cab and take a ride through the mind of Travis Bickle—a journey you won’t soon forget. 🚖🗽💥