@FILMNOMENON

Hi ET, thanks for the DVD. Just watched and read your review. This film did well in America because people like to see things getting done. Politicians are politicians. They talked and talked. While you can empathise with Trevis taking law into his own hand, it is also the most silly thing to do. It's all back to social core, the challenging task of parents, schools and society to bring up kids properly. Problem in the Bronx area (where it is shot) is the place is one big vicious cycle of drugs, prostitution and total neglect. I believe the previous NY mayor, Guiliani cleaned up the place eventually. It is very brightly lit up now and drug pushers are forced to do their business elsewhere.
Nevertheless, it is a great film, highly intense and De Niro is first rate.

One of my favourite films. The haunting soundtrack adds to the disturbed world of De Niro's character. Serious films from the 70s tend to have a gritty edge to them. "The Conversation" comes to mind.

Your reviews of old films just show how much films have evolved - and the gap between great classics and mediocre contemporary ones.

Hi Sherrie! I love Coppola's THE CONVERSATION too. And yes, TAXI DRIVER is one of my absolute favourites. =D

Hi Eternally! It happens I was at the screening too. It was lovely to see Taxi Driver through different eyes. Here are my thoughts of it http://animeandfilmotaku.tumblr.com/post/67644642654/a-film-geeks-watching-afterthoughts-for-taxi-driver
Cheers
Catherine

Thanks Catherine. I read your piece - interesting thoughts on Betsy & Iris creepy resemblance, and the ending. I never thought Travis was dead. In retrospect, it does seem ambiguous. Hmm... maybe I am an optimist.