Travis Bickle

Definition

Travis Bickle is the central character in Martin Scorsese's film 'Taxi Driver,' portrayed by Robert De Niro. He represents a troubled Vietnam War veteran who struggles with isolation and alienation in the chaotic urban landscape of New York City, highlighting themes of crime, corruption, and moral decay prevalent in the city during the 1970s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Travis Bickle drives a taxi in New York City, where he becomes increasingly disturbed by the crime and degradation he witnesses daily.
2. The character's iconic line, 'You talkin' to me?' reflects his deep-seated frustration and mental instability as he grapples with his identity and purpose.
3. Travis's descent into violence culminates in a vigilante mission to save a young prostitute named Iris, showcasing his misguided attempt to impose his own moral code on a corrupt society.
4. The film illustrates the stark contrasts between urban life, including the allure and danger of the city, emphasizing how these environments can affect individuals' psyche.
5. Travis Bickle's story serves as a critique of post-Vietnam War America, highlighting issues such as disillusionment, mental health struggles, and societal breakdown.

Review Questions

• How does Travis Bickle's character illustrate the theme of urban alienation in 'Taxi Driver'?
  • Travis Bickle embodies urban alienation through his intense feelings of isolation and disconnection from the people around him in New York City. As a Vietnam War veteran struggling to reintegrate into society, he feels increasingly marginalized, which drives him to form distorted views about the world. His taxi driving job exposes him to the darker side of urban life, further intensifying his sense of loneliness and pushing him toward violent actions as he seeks meaning and connection in a seemingly corrupt environment.
• Analyze how Travis Bickle challenges the conventional notions of heroism within the context of 'Taxi Driver.'
  • Travis Bickle challenges conventional notions of heroism by embodying the antihero archetype—he is deeply flawed and morally ambiguous. Unlike traditional heroes who act selflessly for the greater good, Travis’s actions stem from personal pain and a desire for recognition rather than altruism. His vigilante quest to 'clean up' the city reflects not only his misguided intentions but also raises questions about morality in a corrupt urban landscape. This complexity invites viewers to reconsider what it means to be heroic in a world filled with chaos and moral ambiguity.
• Evaluate how 'Taxi Driver' serves as a critique of post-Vietnam War America through Travis Bickle's experiences and psyche.
  • Taxi Driver critiques post-Vietnam War America by presenting Travis Bickle's experiences as a reflection of broader societal issues such as disillusionment and mental health crises among veterans. His character illustrates the struggles faced by many returning soldiers who felt abandoned by society and unable to find their place in an America grappling with its own identity. The film uses Travis's descent into violence and paranoia to highlight how urban environments can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness. This portrayal serves as a commentary on the failures of society to support its veterans, exposing the moral decay and corruption that permeated American life during this turbulent period.

Related terms

Urban Alienation: A feeling of isolation and disconnection from society that often arises in urban environments, particularly for individuals who feel marginalized or misunderstood.

Antihero: A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often displaying morally ambiguous traits that challenge traditional notions of heroism.

Dystopian Cinema: A genre of film that portrays a society characterized by human misery, oppression, or environmental disaster, often serving as a critique of contemporary social and political issues.