Travis Bickle

Definition

Travis Bickle is the protagonist of Martin Scorsese's 1976 film 'Taxi Driver,' a psychologically troubled Vietnam War veteran who becomes increasingly alienated from society. His character embodies the struggle between isolation and the desire for connection, highlighting the tension between individual morality and societal decay, making him a compelling figure in the narrative as he transitions from an aimless driver to an anti-hero seeking redemption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Travis Bickle is portrayed by Robert De Niro, whose iconic line, 'You talkin' to me?' has become a cultural touchstone.
2. His character struggles with insomnia, reflecting his inner turmoil and inability to reintegrate into society after serving in the Vietnam War.
3. Travis becomes obsessed with saving a young prostitute named Iris, played by Jodie Foster, seeing her as a symbol of innocence in a corrupt world.
4. The film's depiction of New York City as gritty and dangerous serves as a backdrop to Travis's descent into violence and moral ambiguity.
5. Travis ultimately takes drastic action, seeking to impose his own brand of justice on those he perceives as corrupt, which raises questions about morality and vigilantism.

Review Questions

• How does Travis Bickle's character reflect the struggles of urban alienation in 'Taxi Driver'?
  • Travis Bickle embodies urban alienation through his profound sense of isolation and disconnection from society. Living in a city that feels increasingly chaotic and corrupt, he finds himself unable to form meaningful connections with others. This disconnection is exacerbated by his trauma from the Vietnam War, leading him to take drastic measures as he seeks to reclaim a sense of purpose and identity within a world he perceives as broken.
• In what ways does Travis Bickle challenge traditional notions of heroism throughout the film?
  • Travis Bickle challenges traditional notions of heroism by presenting himself as an anti-hero who resorts to violence and vigilantism in his quest for redemption. Unlike conventional heroes who uphold moral values and protect the innocent, Travis's actions are driven by his personal vendettas and skewed perception of justice. This complexity forces viewers to grapple with the implications of his choices and question what it truly means to be heroic in a morally ambiguous world.
• Evaluate how Martin Scorsese uses cinematic techniques to deepen our understanding of Travis Bickle’s psychological state in 'Taxi Driver.'
  • Martin Scorsese employs various cinematic techniques, such as close-ups and voice-over narration, to immerse viewers in Travis Bickle’s psychological turmoil. The use of close-ups captures Travis's intense expressions, conveying his inner conflict and alienation. Additionally, the voice-over narration provides insight into his thoughts, revealing his descent into paranoia and obsession. Scorsese's choice of a gritty visual style further amplifies the sense of chaos surrounding Travis, making his psychological struggles more palpable and engaging for the audience.

Related terms

Anti-hero: A central character who lacks conventional heroic qualities, often exhibiting morally ambiguous behavior that challenges traditional notions of heroism.

Psychological Thriller: A genre of film or literature that explores the psychological states of its characters, often delving into themes of mental instability, paranoia, and existential dread.

Urban Alienation: A concept describing the feelings of isolation and disconnection individuals may experience in urban environments, often due to rapid social changes and lack of community.