The most prophetic film of our time(or maybe all time)

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2002)

(slight spoiler warning)
"Taxi Driver" is recognized by many as one of the greatest movies of all time. Film critics, ordinary people, any and everyone can relate to Travis Bickle through at least one experience. Travis Bickle is one of the greatest characters ever to be portrayed on screen, played by, of course, the greatest actor of all time. This movie is so brilliant I get the strong feeling that it's underrated. Grossly underrated. One of the greatest things about the movie is that its relevance has not diminished in the 26 years since its release. Travis Bickle is a pathetic, disturbed, psychotic, incredibly creepy guy. But we love him, and always will. Why? Because of his ambiguity. Is he a hero, or a sick mo-fo? Is his taxi his "Batmobile" in a way? Is his jacket that he's always wearing a "cape"? One thing to notice is that he never finds out Betsy's last name, so there is no progress there, but later in the movie, the camera cuts to an envelope filled with money that he is going to give to Iris,with her last name on it, hinting that he will be more successful with her than he is with Betsy. Also, the scenes between Albert Brooks and Cybill Shepherd are there for a reason. Albert Brooks' character is likeable, affable, and you notice that he and Betsy mesh together well, they get along beautifully. This is, of course, the antithesis to Travis, who is completely out of touch with not just women, but everything in general. He takes Betsy to a porno movie and thinks there is NOTHING wrong with it. People like this actually exist, which is why Columbine happened. Why John Hinckley tried to kill Reagan to get Jodie Foster's attention. One user commented that no one that has commented on this site about this movie has ever said that they've actually enjoyed watching it. The movie was not made for entertainment purposes. It was made to teach people about the dangers of alienating people, and what an unbalanced mind can do with weaponry. This is arguably the greatest movie ever, I can only say arguably, because I'm extremely partial to "The Godfather", but there is no question in my mind that Robert De Niro is the greatest actor ever, and will be as immortal to movies as Travis Bickle. Bobby D has only been better in one film, of course, "Raging Bull", which is also arguably the greatest movie ever. It would be egregious of me to leave out Scorsese and his brilliant direction of this movie(not that bad of an actor, too, as evidenced by his scene in the cab). "You talkin' to me?" As one user said, this film is talking to to you. Also, one of the best scores ever on film by Bernard Herrmann. This film won no Oscars, (why do we even have them?), but Bobby won Best Actor from NY and LA Film Critics and a few other awards. You're kidding yourself if you think that "Rocky" is better than this movie. More inspirational, yes, but not superior. This was nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Jodie Foster(my wife), Best Actor for Bobby, and Best Original Score. But NO Best Director nod for Marty. NO BEST DIRECTOR NOD FOR MARTY!!!!! Are the Oscars bull****? If Martin Scorsese does not have one, you bet your ass.