Necessary Viewing

Rating: Null/10 (22 March 2003)

A filmic monument to the phenomenon of post '60's American alienation and disillusionment. Whether or not it is a 'favorite', it cannot be denied that it is of historical importance - sitting roughly between the attempted assasination of presidential candidate George Wallace and the attempted assasination of president Ronald Reagan. I believe the movie was somewhat informed by the Wallace incident, and of course it is fact that William Hinckley, Jr. found a perverse model in the irresistable Travis Bickle.

De Niro's Bickle is appalling and unforgettable in his seething inarticulation. His downfall is conveyed with epic scope, using diary entries and voiceover (over a period of approximately three months!)to demonstrate his naive microcosm as he is cumulatively thwarted by strangers and remains perpetually alone. His warrior identity emerges early on in the film and the horrific denoument, whether deemed 'too violent' by some, is organically realized.
All performances are extraordinary, from Peter Boyle (The Wizard) to Jodie Foster (Easy/Iris). Bernard Hermann's score provides a sultry New York ambience and Scorsese's direction is flawless.
I give this film 10/10.