With the release of Hands of Stone this week, it is only right that a tribute is paid to one of the finest actors of this generation, Robert De Niro. From Raging Bull to Goodfellas, De Niro has shown that he can deliver not just a great performance but an iconic one as well. The range De Niro has shown in his career is remarkable and to this day continues to show it in not only dramatic but comedic roles as well. Now the question can be asked on what exactly is De Niro’s best performance.
While many view his take in Raging Bull as his best, I have always considered Travis Bickle as his finest moment on film. This week’s TBT Reel Review will focus on one of the greatest films of all time, and my personal De Niro and Scorsese favorite, Taxi Driver.
Earlier this year, The Tribeca Film Festival celebrated the 40th anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Taxi Driver, with a screening and Q&A with the director and cast including Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster. The screening reminded me of the brilliance of its script, direction, performances, score, and that at times, there is no greater character in film than New York City.
The opening shot of steam piercing through and around the manhole sets up the entrance into the devil’s playground we know as New York City. A city where “All the animals come out at night – whores, skunk pussies, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies, sick, venal. Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets”. The city’s gritty, dirty feel was the ideal backdrop for Travis Bickle. De Niro brings an aura of sadness and fear in his performance as he longs for companionship.
Early in the film, Bickle makes it clear that he is unlike anyone around him.
“Loneliness has followed me my whole life, everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.”
His disconnection from society is evident throughout the film. None clearer, then when he attempts to date Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) by taking her to an adult movie, which brings an abrupt end to the potential of human connection. Attempting to obtain a connection or make a difference in someone’s life, he attempts to befriend a preadolescent prostitute (Foster) from the clutches of her pimp and lover. This uproots Travis’ inner distress- his longing for approval and inability to adjust.
Ultimately it leads to a finale that leaves it to the audience to interpret Travis Bickle’s fate. While many viewers of the film may see Bickle as psychotic, I would go as far to say that Taxi Driver explores the life of a Vietnam war veteran, who doesn’t quite know how to adjust to life after his honorable discharge. Aided by Bernard Hermann’s sensational score, along with Robert De Niro’s classic performance, Taxi Driver is a cinematic masterpiece and Scorsese’s best direction of his career.
Reel Talk gives Taxi Driver 4 Reels
