CLICK TO WATCH FULL MOVIE
Exploring the Making of ‘Taxi Driver’
When Martin Scorsese released ‘Taxi Driver’ in 1976, the world of cinema was forever changed. This gritty, psychological drama, with its haunting portrayal of urban alienation and moral decay, quickly became a touchstone in American filmmaking. The movie stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran turned cab driver who stalks the streets of New York City, yearning to cleanse its corruption. ‘Taxi Driver’ is not just a movie; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a man teetering on the edge of sanity. But the story behind the making of this iconic film is just as fascinating as the film itself.
Storyline Summary
Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) is a lonely individual, an insomniac Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. As he navigates the city’s seedy underbelly, he becomes increasingly detached from reality, harboring a growing disgust for the filth and corruption he sees. His encounters with two women—Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a campaign worker for a presidential candidate, and Iris (Jodie Foster), a 12-year-old prostitute—highlight his conflicting desires for connection and violent retribution. As Travis spirals deeper into his delusions, he arms himself with a self-appointed mission to save Iris and eradicate the city’s corruption, leading to a bloody and ambiguous climax.
Behind the Scenes of the Making of Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese’s neo-noir masterpiece is a film that burrows into your psyche, a character study that transcends the screen. But what went into crafting this gritty, unforgettable cinematic experience? Let’s delve into the lesser-known stories and creative decisions that brought Travis Bickle’s world to life.
Scorsese’s Vision: A Descent into Urban Hell
Fresh off Mean Streets’s success, Scorsese sought to create a visually distinct world for Taxi Driver. He employed a grimy color palette with desaturated hues that mirrored the protagonist’s emotional desolation. The camera work, often utilizing Dutch angles and tracking shots, placed the audience directly in Travis’s disoriented perspective. The film’s score, a haunting mix of Bernard Herrmann’s orchestral work and minimalist synthesizer pieces, further accentuated the urban decay and Travis’s simmering rage.
Realism on a Budget: A New York Story
Despite its iconic status, Taxi Driver was a low-budget production. Filming took place primarily at night, utilizing the grit and grime of New York City’s streets. Scorsese embraced the real-life chaos, incorporating the city’s ongoing 1976 garbage strike into the film’s backdrop, adding a layer of authenticity and mirroring the societal decay that Travis fixates on.
A Controversial Legacy: A Film That Sparked Debate
Taxi Driver’s unflinching portrayal of violence and mental instability stirred controversy upon its release. The film’s ending, ambiguous and open to interpretation, left audiences questioning the nature of good and evil. However, Taxi Driver’s artistic merit and De Niro’s powerhouse performance were undeniable. The film resonated with a generation grappling with post-Vietnam disillusionment and the harsh realities of urban life. It remains a master achievement in American cinema, a film that continues to be studied, debated, and admired.
Script Origins and Development
The genesis of ‘Taxi Driver’ can be traced back to screenwriter Paul Schrader’s turbulent life experiences and deep-seated existential angst. Schrader was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1946. He grew up in a strict Calvinist household. His upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of guilt and repression, which would later manifest in his writing.
In the early 1970s, Schrader found himself in a dark place. Estranged from his wife and struggling with depression, he became fixated on the idea of a character who was equally alienated from society—a man on the brink of madness, navigating the nocturnal streets of New York City. From his despair and isolation, Schrader poured his raw emotions into the script for what would become ‘Taxi Driver.’
The character of Travis Bickle emerged as a manifestation of Schrader’s inner turmoil—a Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver grappling with existential dread and simmering rage. Travis’s descent into madness mirrored Schrader’s struggles with mental health as he grappled with feelings of inadequacy and a sense of moral decay.
Schrader’s script was a profoundly personal exploration of loneliness, alienation, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. It reflected the tumultuous times it was written—the post-Vietnam era, marked by disillusionment, social unrest, and a pervasive sense of unease.
When Schrader completed the script, he showed it to his friend and fellow filmmaker, Brian De Palma. De Palma was impressed by the raw intensity of Schrader’s writing and encouraged him to seek a director who could do it justice. Schrader then passed the script along to Martin Scorsese, a rising star in the world of cinema known for his bold, uncompromising vision.
Scorsese was immediately drawn to the script, recognizing its potential to explore themes that resonated deeply with him—alienation, violence, and the search for redemption. He saw in Travis Bickle a kindred spirit—a tortured soul struggling to make sense of a world that had forsaken him.
Schrader and Scorsese embarked on a journey to bring ‘Taxi Driver’ to the screen. They spent countless hours discussing the character of Travis Bickle, delving into his backstory and motivations. Schrader’s script provided the foundation, but Scorsese brought his unique vision to the project, infusing it with his trademark style and visual flare.
Scorsese and his cast and crew faced numerous challenges as production began, from budget constraints to creative differences. But through it all, they remained committed to realizing Schrader’s uncompromising vision. The result was a film that pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, immersing audiences in the seedy underbelly of New York City and the tortured mind of Travis Bickle.
‘Taxi Driver’ premiered to critical acclaim at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or. It became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless filmmakers and leaving its mark on the landscape of American cinema.
Today, ‘Taxi Driver’ is a testament to a collaboration of talented artists and the enduring legacy of a script born from one man’s struggle to find meaning in a world gone mad. As audiences continue to revisit this cinematic masterpiece, they are reminded of the timeless relevance of its themes and the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.
Casting Decisions
Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle: Travis Bickle’s role was initially offered to several other actors, including Dustin Hoffman and Jeff Bridges. Hoffman turned it down because he thought Scorsese was crazy, and Bridges was unavailable. De Niro, who had recently won an Oscar for ‘The Godfather Part II,’ was drawn to the character’s complexity and immersed himself fully in the role.
Cybill Shepherd as Betsy: Scorsese cast Shepherd after seeing her in ‘The Last Picture Show.’ Her striking beauty and enigmatic presence made her a perfect fit for the role of Betsy, the object of Travis’s misguided affection.
Jodie Foster as Iris: At just 12 years old, Jodie Foster was cast as the young prostitute Iris. Due to her age, she had to undergo psychological testing to ensure she could handle the role. Foster’s performance was so compelling that it launched her into stardom.
Harvey Keitel as Sport: Keitel was initially considered for the role of Travis Bickle but ultimately played Sport, Iris’s pimp. To prepare for the role, Keitel spent time with real-life pimps in New York to understand their world.
Albert Brooks as Tom: Albert Brooks, primarily known for his comedy work, was cast as Tom, Betsy’s co-worker. His naturalistic performance added a layer of realism to the film.
Martin Scorsese as Passenger: Scorsese made a memorable cameo as a passenger in Travis’s cab who talks about murdering his wife. This scene added a chilling layer to the film’s dark narrative.
The brilliance of Taxi Driver extends beyond the central performances. The casting of Jodie Foster as Iris, the underage prostitute Travis attempts to “rescue,” added a layer of tragic complexity to the narrative. Foster, then a young actress, brought a heartbreaking vulnerability to the role, highlighting the societal ills Travis sought to combat in his warped sense of justice. The film also benefited from the sharp performances of supporting actors like Harvey Keitel and Cybill Shepherd, who fleshed out the seedier side of New York City and the allure of a life Travis desperately craved. Scorsese fostered a collaborative spirit on set, encouraging improvisation and allowing the actors to contribute to their characters’ development. This approach resulted in a film that felt authentic and lived-in, where the lines between scripted dialogue and genuine interaction blurred.
Trivia
De Niro’s Method Acting: Robert De Niro obtained a cab driver’s license and worked 12-hour shifts driving cabs around New York to prepare for his role. He even picked up passengers between filming sessions.
Improvised Icon: The famous “You talkin’ to me?” scene was improvised by De Niro. The script read, “Travis speaks to himself in the mirror,” leaving De Niro to create one of the most iconic lines in cinema history.
Jodie Foster’s Preparation: Foster was only 12 during the filming. To ensure she was suitable for the role, she underwent psychological testing. Her older sister, Connie Foster, also stood in for her during more explicit scenes.
Paul Schrader’s Inspiration: The screenplay, written by Paul Schrader, was inspired by his own experiences of alienation, depression, and living out of his car in Los Angeles after a breakup.
Scorsese’s Cameo: Martin Scorsese appears as a disturbed passenger in Travis’s cab who talks about murdering his wife. This was a last-minute decision, as the actor initially cast for the role didn’t show up.
Budget Constraints: The movie was shot on a tight budget of around $1.9 million. Despite the low budget, Scorsese’s innovative directing and De Niro’s performance made the film a critical success.
Bernard Herrmann’s Score: Bernard Herrmann, the legendary composer of ‘Psycho’ and ‘Citizen Kane,’ composed the film’s score. ‘Taxi Driver’ was his last completed work before he died in 1975. The score’s haunting, jazz-influenced melodies add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
De Niro and Scorsese’s Collaboration: Scorsese and De Niro spent a lot of time discussing the character of Travis Bickle and his backstory. This deep collaboration helped De Niro deliver a nuanced performance.
Alternate Castings: The film’s producers initially wanted Jeff Bridges for the role of Travis Bickle, and both Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino were considered. However, De Niro’s commitment to the character made him the perfect choice.
MPAA and Violence: The climactic shootout was initially planned to be much bloodier. To avoid an X rating from the MPAA, Scorsese desaturated the color in the final shootout scene, making the blood appear less vivid.
Dostoevsky Influence: The character of Travis Bickle has been interpreted as a modern-day take on Dostoevsky’s ‘Notes from Underground’ protagonist, exploring themes of existential despair and isolation.
Tagline Development: The movie’s tagline, “On every street in every city, there’s a nobody who dreams of being somebody,” was suggested by the film’s marketing team. It encapsulates Travis’s desperate desire for significance.
Ambiguous Ending: The film’s ending has been widely debated. Some interpret it as Travis’s redemption, while others consider it a continuation of his delusions. Scorsese deliberately left it ambiguous.
Cybill Shepherd’s Audition: Cybill Shepherd was cast after Scorsese saw her in ‘The Last Picture Show.’ Her character, Betsy, was crucial in highlighting Travis’s inability to form normal relationships.
Heat Wave Filming: The film was shot during a heat wave in New York City, which added to the intense, oppressive atmosphere depicted on screen.
Palme d’Or Winner: ‘Taxi Driver’ won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1976, securing its status as a landmark film.
Oscar Nomination for De Niro: De Niro’s portrayal of the Travis Bickle character earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Quick Screenplay: Paul Schrader wrote the screenplay in less than two weeks, drawing from his feelings of despair and alienation.
Color Desaturation: To meet the MPAA’s standards and secure an R rating, Scorsese desaturated the color in the final shootout scene, making the blood appear brownish rather than bright red.
Preserved in National Film Registry: ‘Taxi Driver’ has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry. It is recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Goofs
Diary Writing Discrepancy: When Travis writes his diary, the voiceover does not match his handwriting movements.
Inconsistent Blood: The amount of blood on Travis’s face changes inconsistently during the final shootout.
Background Continuity: During the scene where Travis calls Betsy from a payphone, the people in the background appear and disappear between shots.
Cab Position: Travis’s position changes between shots when Travis talks to the Secret Service agent.
Hair Changes: Travis’s hair changes length and style within the same sequence in one scene.
Taxi Meter Fares: The taxi meter fares shown in the movie do not align with the actual fare system in New York City at that time.
Marine Corps Tie Pin: Travis’s Marine Corps tie pin is worn incorrectly according to military regulations.
Magazine Movement: The magazine in Travis’s apartment changes position between shots without being touched.
Reflection of Crew: The camera and crew are reflected in the taxi window when Travis drives through Times Square.
Blood Splatter: In the scene where Travis shoots Sport (Harvey Keitel), the blood splatter on Sport’s face changes between shots.
Enduring Legacy
Taxi Driver’s impact extends far beyond its release date. The film’s exploration of mental illness, urban violence, and societal alienation continues to resonate with audiences today. Travis Bickle has become a pop culture icon, though a deeply troubled one, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of isolation and unchecked rage. The film’s influence can be seen in many movies, from the neo-noir thrillers of the 80s to contemporary character studies that delve into the complexities of the human psyche.
Taxi Driver is more than just a movie; it’s a snapshot of a bygone era, a raw nerve exposed on celluloid. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, where a gritty script, a director’s unwavering vision, and a dedicated cast come together to create a masterpiece that continues to challenge and enthrall audiences decades later.
Conclusion
The making of ‘Taxi Driver’ is a testament to the collaborative genius of its cast and crew, who overcame numerous challenges to create a film that remains as intriguing today as it was in 1976. From Robert De Niro’s immersive preparation to Martin Scorsese’s fearless direction, every aspect of the film’s production contributed to its enduring legacy. Whether discovering the improvisation behind iconic lines or uncovering the small details that almost went unnoticed, there’s always something new to learn about this cinematic masterpiece.
Explore our website for more fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and detailed production insights and to delve deeper into the world of your favorite films and TV shows.