Essays on Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is such a special movie because it portrays very realistic characters and situations. The movie doesn't shy away from violence or mental illness, which makes it all the more powerful. It's also a very character-driven movie, with each character being fully fleshed out and complex. This allows the audience to really empathize with them, even if they're not always likable. Additionally, the movie has a great sense of atmosphere, thanks to its gritty cinematography and score. All of these elements come together to create a truly unforgettable movie.

The inspiration for Taxi Driver came from a variety of sources. The film's writer and director, Martin Scorsese, has said that he was inspired by a number of real-life events and people when creating the film. These include the 1974 New York City taxi driver strike, as well as the 1976 film Taxi Driver, which Scorsese has cited as an influence. Additionally, the character of Travis Bickle was partially based on the real-life taxi driver and Vietnam War veteran John Borelli.

One way to look at it is that the film is a commentary on the toxic effects of traditional masculinity. The main character, Travis Bickle, is a loner and a misfit who turns to violence and isolation as a way to cope with the world. He is a product of a society that tells men that they have to be tough and self-reliant, and that they should not show any emotion. This pressure creates a fragile masculinity that is easily broken, and that can lead to destructive behaviors like those that Travis exhibits.Another way to interpret the film is as a critique of the American dream. Travis is a Vietnam War veteran who comes home to a country that does not seem to care about him or his experiences. He tries to find a place in the world, but he feels like an outsider everywhere he goes. He turns to violence because it is the only thing that he feels he can control. In this way, the film is a commentary on the idea that the American dream is not accessible to everyone, and that some people are left behind in the pursuit of it.