A perfect neo-noir

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2019)

Taxi Driver is a spectacular neo-noir, psychological drama. To me, what really made it noir, was the fact that the story is told in the form of a diary of a man who is losing his mind. Even parts without narration can feel this way too, such as when Travis is in his apartment, using a mirror to practice pulling a gun on people. He repeats the saying, "You talking to me?" This is Scorsese's way of showing Travis' inner demons are eating away at sanity, and the camera being pointed at his reflection shows that he is only hurting himself. The dim greens, yellows, and browns, and the overall seediness of his apartment's interior almost make you feel like you trapped inside his mind. It's one of films that will keep you uncomfortably drawn in the entire time, as the anxiety of how things will turn continue to build up.