Good, although a bit overrated

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2003)

Taxi Driver was the first Scorsese film I saw and while I definitely appreciated it, it's not his best in my opinion. The plot sometimes feels a little bit long-winded as there's not much actually happening and I feel that DeNiro's character could have been explored better. It is a very fascinating film, though. The scenes set in nighttime New York must be some of the most atmospheric ever and DeNiro is of course excellent as usual. After I'd seen it I realized what an impact it must have had on film-making. One thing I can't get, however, is how Iris can stand drinking orange juice while eating a sugared jam sandwich? If it's intentionally symbolic I can understand it, but if it ain't I find it mighty puzzling. Do all americans have orange juice and extra sugar with their jam sandwiches? Isn't that a wee bit too much sugar?