"You talking to me?"

Taxi Driver

1976's seminal film follows taxi driver Travis Bickle, played by an on form Robert De Niro, who is trying to make a difference in the trash riddled streets of New York City. One of De Niro's and Scorsese's best collaborations and in my opinion this film sees De Niro in one of his career high performances. 

It's testament to the film's strengths that upon viewing it some 35 years after its release it still stands the test of time. The only part that maybe lacks some of the authenticity that one might look for in today's films is the final climactic scene where Travis goes on a rampage through Iris's pimp house.

Although the film has a nice flow to it, it is really split into two halves. The first half sees his need for work and the almost insomniac lifestyle he leads. He meets a lady, played by a brilliant Cybill Shepherd, and you think that this might be the change that Travis has been looking for. But oh no, he takes her on a date to a dirty film. Tut tut Travis, what were you thinking. This then began the downfall of Travis as he seeked revenge on a Presidential candidate that Betsy, Cybill's character, is volunteering for. Foiled by the secret service, he turns his attention to saving the 12 year old prostitute Iris, played by Jodie Foster.

I remember watching this film for the first time at university as part of my film studies degree. I was amazed at how well it stood the test of time. The cinematography and the lighting are absolutely sublime, as is the acting. Jodie Foster provides a strong yet fragile performance as Iris, and bearing in mind she was only 12 at the time the film was made, it is even more amazing. I also think that Cybill Shepherd provided the bit of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy film.

The film will forever be identified by that one line, "You talking to me?". Even people who have never seen the film know that quote. This is a pleasure to watch and one of Scorsese's very best.