Solitude >> Descent into Madness >> Hero?

Rating: 9/10 (27 August 2019)

(Flash Review)
This film launched De Niro into stardom and for good reason. He gets into the psyche of a lonely and isolated man named Travis; a man clueless of many social norms. Yet he has an erratic moral compass. Travis is fed up with the filth that embodies much of the city he lives in and the uncouth population around him has overwhelmed his rickety mental state. When he does try to interact with a decent person he fails, which sends him into an even more precarious mental place. Deep down he means well and tries to do the right thing in his own 'special' way. What will he do and whose lives will he alter? The dark, gritty and gloomy 70s cinematography is complimented by unflinching and atmospheric music that envelops Travis in his despair. There is an important moment late in the film that can send Travis into two completely different directions. Interesting to ponder his fate after that moment as what was or could have been. This film has many memorable and parodied dialog bits and Travis's appearance late in the film is unforgettable. This is a somber character study where everything feels realistic.