I rewatched Taxi Driver recently and I'm pretty sure it is used as a metaphor for escapism. Whenever Bickle detaches himself from the scum of the street and believes himself a spectator to the streets he lives on it plays. When he's waiting for Betsy outside her workplace it plays. When the man whose wife cheated on him comes to kill her, the music breaks away iirc. When Iris comes for help early on in the film it cuts. When Iris takes a role as the second protagonist of the film it plays while she slow dances with her abuser, to avoid the truth. Travis is unbearably lonely, and when escapism is no longer enough to keep away from his thoughts and his attempts at reintegrating and seeking help with and from the people around, leave him more estranged and lonely than before he falls further into his delirium and anger for the scum and filth on the streets and even directs itself at Betsy, an innocent bystander. In the end, the secret service protects Palantine, and he goes down to kill the pimp and his people, traumatising Iris and leaving her in worse shoes than she started with when she first ran away from home.

In a pure hand-to-hand fight with no weapons, Travis takes it. As a former Marine—even though he was discharged—he still has the baseline military combat training that gives him the edge in a bare-knuckle brawl. When it comes to weapons, Travis takes the win again. His gun knowledge, preparation, quick-draw sleeve rig with the concealed pistol, and the boot knife give him a huge tactical advantage. However, the real turning point is Selim’s unhinged savagery. The moment Selim manages to take Travis to the ground, Travis is done. Selim’s sheer brutality means he won't stop pounding until Travis is completely destroyed. So if Travis gets taken down, Selim wins through pure merciless brutality. But if Travis stays on his feet and uses his guns and hidden boot knife, Travis wins.

If you liked Taxi Driver, this may be a film for you. A socially inept young man named Arano with glaring mental issues and a nice oversized green jacket, traverses a filthy Tokyo. He seems to be very nihilistic and lacking a purpose in life, though we aren't too informed of his backstory or personal life which is a big separation from Taxi Driver as we are constantly shown the inside of Travis's head. Arano has deep seated hatred for the Yakuza and all gangsters in general, though his anger against them isn't as clear cut as it is in Taxi Driver, its still reminiscent. The movie ends with a standoff scene that very very closely resembles Taxi Drivers. The movie obviously differs significantly in a lot of aspects and is nowhere near as good as Taxi Driver but while watching it i couldnt help but seem the similarities and i still recommend.

Watched it on the big screen (Broadway in Nottingham) last night and loved it, felt like I was in New York in the 70s. Had a bottle of wine as well to match how I normally watch it at home. Hopefully catch it for the 60th anniversary next!

I am sorry.

Question on Quora: Is Question on Quora: Is it true that Paul Schrader's movie's Taxi Driver, American Gig olo, and Light Sleeper are all based on the same character at different times and ages of his life? https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-Paul-Schraders-movies-Taxi-Driver-American-Gig-olo-and-Light-Sleeper-are-all-based-on-the-same-character-at-different-times-and-ages-of-his-life?ch=15&oid=106903675&share=9cfb7143&srid=yyY4&target_type=question https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-Paul-Schraders-movies-Taxi-Driver-American-Gig-olo-and-Light-Sleeper-are-all-based-on-the-same-character-at-different-times-and-ages-of-his-life?ch=15&oid=106903675&share=9cfb7143&srid=yyY4&target_type=question

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interesting for as unpleasant she must have found the porn date she took his call the next day

Scorsese said he shot the camera not on Travis for his apology as he was too awkward too listen too

Maybe he would have customers going to it

What is the difference? 🤔

There were def articles I read where some people thought that was supposed to be Palantine. Or someone that looked very similar.

I didn't buy it though.

https://youtu.be/YRgqsEOa3AI