Beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (1 February 2003)

In my opinion, for a film to be given 10/10, it has to be perfect, or as close to perfection as possible. In my eyes there are only 5 films (that I have seen) which are anywhere near perfection. The Taxi Driver is one of those five.
I have heard many people complain that the film is too violent, or too disturbing. I disagree, I feel that all who share that view have missed the entire point of the film and are ignorantly ignoring the importance of the messages displayed in the film.
Underneath the wonderful exterior (the film is beautifully written, directed and acted) is a deep underlying message which is communicated to the viewer through the deeply emotional and violent scenes that build up towards the end of the film. You will have to decide on the message of the film yourself, as just about everyone who will ever watch this film will understand and relate to it in a different way.
The acting is amazing. De Niro is in his finest role (better than The Godfather II) and the young Jodie Foster shows qualities that most actresses twice her age cannot display.
Travis Bickle is one of the most memorable characters in modern day cinema and, even in his most violent and un-emotional moments, you really care for him and you worry about what he might do next, in case something bad happens to him. The connection I felt between Travis and myself was terrifying, but made me love the film even more.
So, is it the best film ever? No, it is not.
Will there ever be a film that is so terrifyingly real and relevant to the world we live in today? I doubt it.
Is it a great cinematic feat that everyone should enjoy countless times? Oh yes.
*****
10