One of the quintessential landmarks of American cinema
There’s something about revisiting a classic that reminds you about the potency of cinema. No introduction is really needed. Taxi Driver planted its star Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese firmly on the map, as well as exposed us to the mercurial talents of writer Paul Schrader (Raging Bull, First Reformed). Winner of the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival (1976). Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster) and Best Original Score (Bernard Herrmann). Taxi Driver‘s status as one of the greats of American cinema has only grown since it’s original release, and as part of the Columbia 100 Years celebration, it’s gotten a new 4K-treatment by Sony Pictures to celebrate.
De Niro stars as Vietnam war veteran Travis Bickle. A man increasingly consumed by his trauma, and detached from the world around him. Unable to sleep, eat, and find his place in the world, he watches people and the city from behind the wheel of a taxi cab. A job that seems to be his last ditch effort to find human connection and purpose. His exposure deepens his dismay and disgust, and after two notable encounters take a sour turn (realized by the impeccable performances of Cybill Shepherd and a young Jodie Foster), he is sent spiraling towards an embrace of the darker side of his psyche.
A plot that seems simple, but the film garners weight and impacts thanks to the performances, a deftly wrought script, and the vision of its director. The film mines the hustle, bustle, and grim underbelly of New York to great effects, introducing us to a cross-sectional slice of society, while Scorsese’s direction conveying Bickle’s loneliness even amidst millions of people. Cinematographer Michael Chapman draws from the light and dark of the surrounds to ease us into this man’s psyche, aided by the dramatic tones of Bernard Herrmann’s score. The film is an ongoing drip of unease, and thanks to the performance of De Niro, as enthralling as it is disconcerting. He treads a fine line, adding a little sheen of charisma and sympathy to an erratic and unstable man trapped within a web of flaws and troubles. More than just a meme or a quote, a picture on a tee or dorm room poster, this performance, and film in general, has real impact and real resonance. It’s affecting, witnessing this man’s descent into madness, and more so being hit by the reality of how our society can fail people, those who fall through the cracks due to a lack of support, and a lack of connectivity to the people around them.
The Package
These days some legacy re-releases on the 4K format can be a bit underwhelming, so it’s great to report that Sony have done a superb job here. The transfer is impeccable, with natural and robust colors, and well saturated images. The picture quality is pristine, a smooth moving image, free of any crushing or artifacts. What is notable is how the extra quality allows more brightness and balance to open up the film to appreciate the (improved) details, without sacrificing any of it’s brooding palette. Deep inky blacks and a fine range of contrast support the shadowy scenes, and add to their impact. Grain feels a tad heavy in parts, but it feels appropriate given the tone of the film.
This release comes in a special steelbook presentation. A sleek exterior showcasing a front with new artwork, and a back and gatefold showing scenes from the film. Inside are two discs containing the 4K edition, a digital download code, a Blu-ray copy of the film, as well as the legacy extra features.
Extra Features:
- Making Taxi Driver Documentary: Just over 70 minutes in length, it’s a solid look at the production, it’s initial reception, and it’s legacy. Sadly lo-def, but an interesting compilation of interviews and footage
- Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Martin Scorsese Introduction: Juxtaposing the early storyboards with what ended up being shot. The introduction opens up us to Scorsese’s filmmaking approach
- Animated Photo Galleries: Stills from the film
- 20th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer: The only ‘new’ feature
- 40-Minute Taxi Driver Q&A featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Many More Recorded Live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival: Just over 40 minutes in length, and showcases a lively Q&A with plenty of the cast (including Cybill Shepherd, Paul Schrader, and Harvey Keitel) chiming in with their memories and thoughts on the film’s longevity
- Commentary with Director Martin Scorsese and Writer Paul Schrader Recorded by the Criterion Collection: Scorsese is a wealth of film knowledge, Schrader similarly so, with a thick streak of chaotic energy. Just a top notch commentary in terms of both education and entertainment
- Commentaries by Writer Paul Schrader and by Professor Robert Kolker: A little drier a commentary, but still well worth a listen as it opens up the discussion to Taxi Driver‘s place in, and impact upon the history of cinema
- Martin Scorsese on Taxi Driver: A 15 minute chat, recently recorded, with the filmmaking reiterating his thought on the film and making it
- Influence and Appreciation: A Martin Scorsese Tribute: Notable filmmakers and actors share their views on the renowned director
- Producing Taxi Driver: Michael Philips breaks down his part in the production, notably his service as a go-between for Scorsese and the studio
- God’s Lonely Man: A 20 minute piece reflecting on the character makeup of Travis Bickle
- Taxi Driver Stories: Real cabbies, real stories, real good
- Travis’ New York: The film’s cinematographer Michael Chapman and then Mayor Ed Koch share their thoughts on the look and feel of New York in the 70s
- Travis’ New York Locations: A short rundown of the filming locations
- Theatrical Trailer:
The Bottom Line
Taxi Driver is one of the quintessential American movies. A landmark of cinema, that cemented the talents of De Niro and Scorsese. Even 50 years later, it’s craft and impact is undeniable, and this 4K release, with it’s stunning visual presentation and host of extras, is the perfect way to revisit a classic.
Taxi Driver 4K-UHD Steelbook is available via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment now
