Taxi Driver is a 1976 psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, an emotionally troubled Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. Struggling with insomnia and alienation, Travis becomes increasingly disillusioned with the city’s decay and moral corruption. As he spirals deeper into paranoia, he begins to envision himself as a vigilante, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation. The film explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the quest for redemption in a society that feels hostile and indifferent.

Scorsese’s direction is characterized by its intense visual style and innovative storytelling, utilizing close-ups and a haunting score by Bernard Herrmann to amplify the film’s psychological tension. The cinematography captures the gritty realism of 1970s New York, immersing viewers in Travis’s descent into madness. De Niro delivers a powerful performance, famously embodying Travis’s complexity and turmoil, while Jodie Foster shines as Iris, a young prostitute whom Travis seeks to save. The film’s sharp dialogue and memorable lines, including the iconic “You talkin’ to me?” have cemented its status in pop culture. Overall, Taxi Driver is celebrated for its bold exploration of the human psyche, making it a landmark film that continues to resonate with audiences today.