Taxi Driver | 100 Movies Bucket List

 

Next up was a much-anticipated re-watch!

I saw this film for the first time a few years ago, and while I remember enjoying it, I couldn't really remember too many specific details about it, so I'm glad it was on the list - especially because it's one that I would have expected to be on the list last year.

I also had no idea until writing this review that I actually reviewed this film back in 2019, so it was really interesting to go back and read that!

The first thing that has to be pointed out is how great the acting is. Robert De Niro is obviously amazing in this role and the supporting cast are great too.

But in particular, Jodie Foster, who was only 12 years old when she played her role(!) did an incredible job. And despite the controversy of the role, the character was able to have a great arc and an interesting relationship with Travis, which is part of what makes the story so interesting.

And ironically, Scorsese's small cameo is one of the best-acted scenes in the entire film!

This film is widely compared to 'A Clockwork Orange', which I wrote a post about for last year's bucket list and made no secret of the fact that I wasn't a fan. So while I understand the comparison, I think this film is a much more successful version.

The main reason for this is due to the main characters. Travis is a much more interesting character than Alex, he seems more complex, there are more layers to him, and while both characters descend into violence and/or some kind of madness, Travis's descent seems to be better paced, better handled and situates him as an anti-hero, rather than the psychopath that Alex is shown to be. It sounds weird to say, but he is a more sympathetic character, and one who is easier for an audience to follow.

And more than anything, this comes down to the direction. Scorsese is one of the best directors to ever exist, and excels at the creation of complex, morally grey characters.

And while the characters are probably the best thing about the film, the writing is also amazing and allows the audience to follow Travis on his descent.

Overall, this is widely considered one of Scorsese's best films, and while it isn't my personal favourite of his, it's a great one, and I'm really glad it's on the list.