Looks like art to me

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2002)

I remember beeing a little disappointed after watching Taxi driver for the first time. What's so special about this movie, Travis Bickle just looks like another one of them psychopaths. I just couldn't understand what made this movie one off the best ever, even though De Niros acting was outstanding, possibly his best ever. (Maybe except from Raging bull and Awakenings)
Anyway, even though I thougt it was a very good movie altogether, I had problems understanding a few things. Like why did Travis bring Betty to a porn movie, he couldn't possibly be that stupid. Luckily i got the chance to see Paul schraeder make a few remarks about his script, and then,slowly, the whole thing started making sense. If you haven't seen this film, you should stop reading now.
Travis Bickle is not stupid, he's just unaware of who he is, a victim to a self-imposed loneliness. He is his own enemy, but he doesn't realize it. The reason he brings Betty to a porn cinema, is that deep inside, probably unaware, he feels that he has to be alone, that's just the way it's supposed to be. He avoids all kinds of actual progress in his life, he has to continue doing things his own way. Another example is the part where he decides to improve his physique. He does 50 push-ups every day, but at the same time he eats all kind of unhealthy food, too make sure he doesn't really get anywhere.
Some people say the ending is unrealistic, that Travis Bickle would have gone to prison in real life, instead of becoming a hero. I think that he actually did go to prison, and that the ending we saw was just in his mind. And if I got it wrong, I have too say that I like the irony, even tough it can seam misplaced.
The main reason this movie is one of my all time favourites, is that it made me reconsider my life. I realized that I was much more like Travis than I dared too admit to myself, but now I had no choice. Therefore I honestly believe that this movie has gave me a better understanding of who I was, and what I had to do. In other words, it made me aware of my own feelings. Isn't that what art is all about?
Remember:You don't need eyes too see, you need VISION.