Film: "Taxi Driver"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in "Taxi Driver", director Martin Scorsese uses the camera and eerie lighting effects to underscore his study of the alienation of Travis Bickel, the taxi driver, who can not find a way to relate to others and build a life. The author points out that Scorsese uses camera angles and movement to create the narrative but uses the opposite, utter stillness, in scenes, which mark transitions. The paper relates that one of the most famous pivotal scenes in film shows the protagonist Travis acting with an imaginary adversary while looking in the mirror.

From the Paper:

"Scorsese introduces the climactic scene with an abrupt change in camera movement. He uses a long, slow vertical move from the sidewalk to the top floor of the building. This shot is different from the others in its visual aspect, but it is consistent in that it provides Travis' point of view, which has been the predominant perspective throughout the film. During the violence that erupts as Travis attempts to rescue a twelve-year-old hooker, the camera movement is shaky and chaotic, underscoring the chaotic nature of the action. In a surprising shot, as Travis lies wounded, the camera moves up to the ceiling and an overhead shot takes us out of the room and down the stairs slowly, viewing the carnage from a great height."

More papers on Film: "Taxi Driver":

• Film Review # 116149 : "Development in the Film "Taxi Driver"
• Essay # 143733 : "Geselischaft And The Affect Of Urban Life In Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver"
• Film Review # 24081 : "Taxi Driver"

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