Greetings again from the darkness. I was excited to hear Dallas Morning News film critic Chris Vognar put together a monthly film series focusing on the 1970’s. The first showing was last night and, of course, I attended … Martin Scorcese’s 1976 film Taxi Driver. The biggest surprise of the evening came when Mr. Vognar asked for a show of hands from those who had not previously seen the film … approximately HALF admitted it was their first time.
Now I have seen the film 12-15 times, and last night made the third time on the big screen – counting the first time which was at a Drive-In! The surprising thing about the first timers was that they were somehow drawn to it 35 years after release, but had never felt strongly enough to rent the video or include on their NetFlix list. Maybe it was the lure of the Q&A with a noted film critic or maybe they just wanted it in a theatre setting. Either way, it was very interesting to hear crowd reactions from so many who were witnessing the Schrader/Scorcese work for the first time.
Whether you have seen the film or not, chances are good that you are familiar with the “You talking to me?” scene. Robert DeNiro improvised the scene including the key line “Well I’m the only one here.” That line goes straight to the theme of isolation and alienation that runs throughout. Another interesting aspect to consider is the similarity between this film and John Ford’s classic The Searchers. Both include no-holds-barred rescue missions (by war veterans losing their grip) to save a girl who may or may not want to be rescued. In The Searchers, it’s Natalie Wood with the Comanche Indians; and here it’s 12 year old Jodie Foster with her pimp, played by Harvey Keitel.
Taxi Driver certainly takes on a different look today, than it did when it was first released. It was surely not endorsed by the New York Chamber of Commerce as we spend two hours in the filthiest, most crime-addled areas of the city. Of course, today, much of that same area is touristy and revenue-producing (in a legal way!). The campaigning by the slick politician and his idealistic supporters (Albert Brooks, Cybill Shepherd) ring as true today as then … kind of sad more progress hasn’t been made.
This is a very tough film about one man’s slow descent from sanity caused by a seemingly impossible dream of cleaning up the streets of the city and the morals of its inhabitants. The isolation and alienation themes hold up well today, and though it may not be Scorcese’s absolute best, it could be DeNiro’s rawest performance. For a chuckle (you’ll need it after watching it), imagine the film directed by Brian DePalma (Scarface) and starring Dustin Hoffman … it almost happened!
Next month’s showing is the underrated Hal Ashby/Robert Towne 1973 film The Last Detail, which features a 35 year old Jack Nicholson in full scene-chewing glory … one of my all-time favorites!
Movie Reviews from the Dark 