Taxi Driver

Main Plot

"Taxi Driver," directed by Martin Scorsese, follows Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City. Struggling with insomnia and isolation, Travis becomes increasingly disillusioned by the urban decay and moral corruption he witnesses. His sense of purpose is briefly revived when he becomes infatuated with Betsy, a campaign worker for a presidential candidate, but his advances are ultimately rejected. As his mental state deteriorates, Travis becomes obsessed with rescuing Iris, a young prostitute, from her pimp. This mission drives him to violent extremes, culminating in a climactic confrontation that leaves a lasting impact on his psyche and the world around him. The film explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the quest for redemption in a morally ambiguous society.

Characters

• Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver and spirals into violent vigilantism in a decaying New York City.
• Jodie Foster plays Iris, a young prostitute whom Travis Bickle attempts to rescue from her life on the streets.
• Cybill Shepherd plays Betsy, a campaign volunteer. She becomes the object of Travis Bickle's obsession, highlighting his social isolation and descent into madness.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver," Travis Bickle, the protagonist played by Robert De Niro, descends further into his psychosis, culminating in a violent outburst. Travis, a disillusioned and mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, becomes obsessed with rescuing Iris, a young prostitute played by Jodie Foster. He meticulously plans and executes a brutal attack on the brothel where Iris works, killing several people, including her pimp, Sport. This climactic scene is marked by intense violence and chaos, showcasing Travis's complete break from reality. Following the massacre, Travis is ironically hailed as a hero by the media for his actions, which are perceived as a vigilante effort to clean up the streets. Iris is returned to her family, and Travis recovers from his injuries. The film ends ambiguously with Travis back in his taxi, seemingly reintegrated into society, but a brief moment of tension suggests that his instability may resurface. This ending leaves viewers questioning the nature of heroism and the thin line between sanity and madness.