Martin Scorsese – Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver, 1976 [film]. Directed by Martin SCORSESE. USA: Bill/Phillips Productions, Italo/Judeo Productions

Both of these film are violent and cover themes of machismo. Neither of these I want to cover in my 10 minute short film. My interest is in the isolation and loneliness of the protagonist.

Scorsese tackles some key social issues in the film not least the decay and immorality of New York City in a post Vietnam War world. He tries to fit in but struggles connecting with people and his behaviour is always slightly off. This is portrayed in form by use of uncomfortable framing and composition.

There is one use of a dissolve which is normally used to move the story forward in time. Here Scorsese uses it to show De Niro’s character’s isolation with a wide angle and slow progress towards the viewer.

The story shows the contradictions of a man who exercises to keep fit but has a poor diet. He says he wants the City to be cleaned up but actually wants to destroy it. He tells his pasngers to support the candidate but ultimately attempts to kill him.

Shots of him in the mirror show an imbalance or reversal which add to the decline of his mental state. Repeated shots signify the fragmentation of his mind.