出租车司机

Taxi Driver stands as Martin Scorsese's most eminent work completed in the 1970s. Here is my review of this prominent masterpiece.

My overall critique of this movie portrays an unsuccessful and tragic self-revolution embarked upon by a pathetic narcissist, who embodies the shadow side of common individuals' fragile egos.

The protagonist, Travis Bickle, is a walking embodiment of complexity, as eloquently described by Betty. His commitment to the young prostitute, Iris, portrays him as both an enigma and a flawed character. Unraveling Travis' multifaceted persona proves challenging, necessitating an examination of its individual components.

To start, we delve into Travis' narcissism. While some reviewers and commentators may hastily label him an antisocial individual, it is important to avoid simplifying the discussion on Travis' true nature. Instead, we should explore the complexities inherent in defining those who are deemed antisocial or even those who advocate for societal change. However, this distinction becomes somewhat inconsequential as we proceed with the analysis. Travis' extreme narcissism is most evident in his interactions with Betty and Iris.

Travis describes Betty as an "untouchable angel" in his diary, but their second date takes place in a porn theater, creating a dramatic contradiction. He also goes to great lengths to rescue Iris, an unknown prostitute, from a brothel—an action that can be attributed to the famous Madonna-Whore Complex. However, beneath these actions lies Travis' venting of emotions, desires, and arbitrary displays of masculinity towards women. He declares, "I do because I want it," showcasing his self-centered approach, where the rescue of either woman becomes inconsequential. Travis hypocritically applauds himself as a cowboy or hero, all the while utilizing women as vessels to manage his personal sexual desires, as opposed to engaging in genuine intimate relationships with them.

The film's ultimate downfall stems from Travis' failed suicide attempt. Lenin famously stated that the success of a revolution is marked by the self-elimination of the revolutionaries. In works like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, the protagonist fakes his assassination to accomplish his revolution for the greater good. In contrast, Travis does not succeed in this regard. His path is one of self-destruction, whether it be through attempting to assassinate the president or committing a massacre in the brothel. Despite his near-death experience and lying exhaustedly next to Iris, he mimics a gunshot to his own head. These actions showcase his desire for death. However, when he was on the brink of completing his revolution (albeit a misguided one), he ultimately fails and returns to the world, inadvertently becoming a hero—a highly ironic turn of events. The tragedy unfolds in the film's conclusion as he escorts Betty home. Travis' perception of the world at this point parallels his initial feelings at the start of the film, indicating that he is trapped in an unending cycle within the society he despises but is forced to work for.

Ultimately, the most memorable aspect lies in the fragility of Travis' ego. The iconic scene where he stands before the mirror and utters the famous line, "You talking to me?" can be seen as a response to Betty's description of him as a walking complexity. At that moment, Travis seeks excuses to evade Betty's assessment, attempting to preserve a sense of composure. However, he resents this need for evasion and bursts forth, revealing his true self—an authentic answer to Betty. Additionally, the camera's accidental placement in front of Travis reinforces the notion of a warning or threat to anyone who dares to define him, reminiscent of situations where individuals vehemently reject being labeled by responding with radical defiance. In a sense, this accidental parallel also align with the script that Travis being a prophet, which may suggest (in a radical way) that everyone in modern society could possibly be Travis as well, as if they are rolling a boat on the sea of people as Travis hanging over his taxi on street.

In conclusion, Taxi Driver remains a masterful portrayal of a deeply flawed individual's journey. Martin Scorsese's direction brings forth Travis Bickle, a character caught in the paradoxes of narcissism, failed revolution, and the fragility of ego. The film's exploration of Travis' psyche and his tumultuous interactions with women shed light on societal complexities and the human condition. Through its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes, Taxi Driver stands as a timeless cinematic achievement, leaving viewers contemplating the depths of human nature long after the credits roll.