Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is the ultimate character study. It explores an unhinged mind and the social structures it reflects. Therefore, Taxi Driver is ripe with meaning and commentary. Isolation, masculinity, violence, and decay are just a few of the ideas baked into this masterpiece. This potency of Taxi Driver allows each viewing to provide unique wisdom. Beyond its messaging, a key element of the film's realization is undoubtedly Robert De Niro. His world-class performance displays subtlety, contradiction, torment, and collapse. De Niro truly brings Travis Bickle to agonizing life. It's rare to see a character so abnormal, yet so natural.

Meanwhile, the filmmaking of Taxi Driver is legendary. The direction defines a generation because it's immersive, raw, and poetic. The editing employs disjointed jump cuts. The cinematography uses subject motion, spacing, and camerawork to build disconnection. The reoccurring music changes meaning with new context. The decrepit production design reinforces the dejected perspective. Together, this unites to illuminate Bickle's worldview that's both distorted and self-confirming. Bickle copes by perpetuating his despair and Taxi Driver displays this process so convincingly, it almost feels justified. Because it critiques from a place of understanding, Taxi Driver is thoroughly insightful.

Writing: 10/10

Direction: 10/10

Cinematography: 10/10

Acting: 10/10

Editing: 10/10

Sound: 9/10

Score/Soundtrack: 10/10

Production Design: 10/10

Casting: 10/10

Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 9.7/10