Left in the dust by "Bringing out the Dead"

Rating: 7/10 (10 April 2002)

"Taxi driver", still shocking and disturbing, is far from the masterpiece it seemed when first released. Watching it on DVD and listening to the cast discussing the film is revealing - the script is incredibly uneven, and events almost incidental to the main "story", of Travis and his decline.

The acting, timing, and direction still shine, but the far inferior script is shown up by the brilliant ad libs and character work of the actors. For a far more complete view of Hell's Kitchen, and the other side of the darkness, you should really see the mature "pseudosequel" to this, "Bringing out the dead". Far more coherant, in script, acting, and direction, it shows up the many flaws in this underdeveloped mess.