Cinema
Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese · 1976
Synopsis
New York. Travis Bickle, a former Marine discharged in May 1973, can no longer sleep and gets himself hired as a night taxi driver; he accepts all hours and all neighbourhoods, and keeps a diary. He notices Betsy, who works for Senator Palantine's presidential campaign, and asks her out; on the evening of their second date, he takes her to see a pornographic film, and she leaves, then refuses his calls. He comes across Iris, a twelve-year-old prostitute controlled by a pimp, Sport.
Context
The screenwriter wrote the script while living in his car and drinking heavily. Shooting took place in the summer of 1975 on Manhattan's West Side, during a garbage collectors' strike, and Robert De Niro drove a taxi for several weeks to prepare for the role. John Hinckley, who tried to assassinate President Reagan in 1981, was obsessed with the film and with its actress Jodie Foster; the film was shown to the jury at his trial.
Who it is for
A colour film that accompanies its main character in almost every scene, with a few exceptions.
Prizes and reception
Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1976 and four Oscar nominations, including best film, leading actor and music.
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