truely a great film...

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2002)

To be really honest, when I first saw this film, I didn't know what to think of it. There is something there, but just can't put my finger into what it actually is. When I watch it a second time, that is, straight after watching it the first time, I start to understand what and why the film is so great. It is kinda hard to explain it in a few words, but the movies done back in the 70s is alot different from the ones done nowadays. There is depth in this film which is not found in many modern films. For example, nowadays, if you want to film a overhead shot like in the last scene, we can simply use computer technology. But what they did was actually punch a big hole in the ceiling to put the camera! The camera work is done very nicely but you may miss out its brilliance if you do not know what to look for. For example, in the beginning when DeNiro was in the Taxi Company, the camera scan him watching on the right and it doesn't follow him but rather do a circle around the place and catches back with him when he leaves the door.

I must admit that this film will not be fully understood if you do not know the backgrounds. So I strongly suggest if you are fortunate enough to have a DVD of this film, watch the 'makings of', I am sure you will learn alot more.
What truely stands out of course is Bobby. I really admire his dedication to his job. He doesn't just go in and act, he actually studies his role and spends alot of time praticing. He even got a taxi licence! How about that.
The central ideology in this film is the theme of loniness. And even though the film is very bleak, the surprising result of it is a moral one. If many people can relate to this film, it means that you are not alone in being alone! So the great depression each of us faces each day is nothing speical, it is part of the human conditions.