An iconic masterpiece...

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2007)

Travis Bickle remains one of the most iconic figures in cinema. His psychotic nature, profound intolerance and insomnia, are chillingly portrayed by a wired De Niro at the top of his game. While his role as the mercurial and masochistic Jake La Motta (Raging Bull) remains his finest hour, De Niro's performance is memorable.
The reality of a New York with a hot underbelly is very much realised, and it gives substance to Travis' constant alienation from his immediate civilisation. The first person narrative structure allows us all to be immersed with Travis' unnerving state of mind. He is 'God's lonely man'.
Scorsese's camera-work is especially riveting during the height of Travis' psychosis. When Travis has a gun in his hands, the camera becomes frighteningly close to the action, continuing this first person perspective that the film has from the start. Scorsese's distressing back seat cameo is a feat in itself.
Paul Schrader's script smacks with attention to detail and palpable tension at every turn but it would never have been as effective without Herrmanns haunting score. It beautifully adapts to different moments in the film, evoking a whole range of emotions.