Taxi Driver, 1976
Directed By: Martin Scorsese
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"Taxi Driver" follows a Vietnam War veteran named Travis Bickle, who works the night shift as a taxi driver in the gritty streets of New York City, and is explored in terms of his life and mental state. The movie's story takes viewers on an unsettling journey inside an unwell person's head and delivers a biting critique about urban loneliness, and the effects of uncontrolled fixation. As Travis begins his work as a cab driver, the movie opens with his insomnia-driven ramblings. Travis's solitude is presented against the backdrop of the dark and filthy New York City of the 1970s. His interactions with different passengers—from an unfaithful husband to a distraught gun dealer—offer insights into the moral decline of the metropolis.Travis's fixation on Betsy, a campaign worker, reveals his infatuation with the notion of "cleaning up" the city. The turning point in his path was his mistaken attempt to impress her by taking her to a pornographic film. This conduct highlights Travis's growing disconnection from reality and his incapacity to develop actual connections with others. Travis decides to intervene on his own as his passion grows. Young prostitute Iris, whom he befriends, inspires him to become motivated to free her from her pimp, Sport. In the terrible shooting that takes place in a brothel at the movie's conclusion, Travis lets out all of his repressed rage. Viewers are left wondering whether Travis is a hero or a psychopath in light of this act's uncertainty.
"Taxi Driver" does not have a traditional Plot Device in the sense of a physical or tangible object that drives the plot. Instead, "Taxi Driver" highlights the film's emphasis on character study, social commentary, and psychological exploration.
The 3 main acts of the film begin with Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran who accepts a job as a taxi driver in the sleazy part of 1970s New York City, is presented to us in the first episode. Travis wanders the city streets at night, seeing its moral decline, and it is clear that he suffers from sleeplessness and is detached from society. Travis interacts with a variety of passengers, each of whom sheds light on the problems facing the city and Travis's growing negativity.
Travis's growing obsession with his campaign worker Betsy and his unsuccessful attempt to woo her is mainly shown in the second act. Iris, a young prostitute, becomes the focus of Travis' obsession, and he becomes determined to save her from her abusive pimp, Sport. As Travis acquires weapons and trains for a violent confrontation in order to act on his dark desires, his mental state continues to deteriorate.
The final act is highlighted by Travis confronting Sport and his associates in a brothel in a violent and emotional exchange. During the terrible shootout that follows, Travis lets out all of his anger and tries to rescue Iris from her dangerous condition. The conclusion of the movie is unclear because Travis's acts are perceived differently by society and the media, leaving the audience to consider the repercussions and the possibility of sacrifice.
Travis's fixation with Iris grows as his mental condition deteriorates. He starts to believe that he has to "clean up" the city in order to free Iris from her exploitative existence. He prepares for conflict by arming himself and adopts the vigilante persona.
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