With his mohawk and green parka, Robert De Niro cemented his career as a global star in this film. His monologue in front of the mirror remains legendary to this day and has been quoted many times. Tonight you can watch the thriller on Netflix.
In his second collaboration with Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel, cult director Martin Scorsese tells the story of a hero’s moral downfall. Despite its difficult start at the premiere and the brutality of the finale, the German Federal Agency for Civic Education has recommended this dark thriller for use in schools. No wonder, as it was not only a great success in the end, but has developed into a true cult film over time. You can stream Taxi Driver on Netflix tonight
Robert De Niro in a punk look: That’s what Taxi Driver is all about
Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), who suffers from insomnia, works as a cab driver on the night shift. He is convinced that New York is overrun with human scum from which the streets must be cleared
(Taxi Driver)
After his rendezvous with campaign worker Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) ends disastrously and he meets underage prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster) and her pimp Matthew Higgins (Harvey Keitel), he spirals into his delusion of ridding the streets of the scum himself.
Despite boos to worldwide success
When Martin Scorsese’s thriller premiered at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, it was met with boos. Some viewers even left the movie theater. The reason for this was the violence and brutality with which the thriller concludes. In addition, the moral ambivalence of the protagonist is difficult to assess. According to the Hollywood Reporter, some of the film’s employees reported that they even felt very uncomfortable after the premiere at the film festival due to the reactions. Despite the reactions, the Palme d’Or for Best Film was awarded to Taxi Driver.
