Taxi Driver - Overrated

[Bold Seagull]

Alarmingly off-topic but I feel I've been let down.

I'm a big film-buff and although the following may suggest otherwise; I've just watched Taxi Driver for the first time.

It's regarded as an 'all-time great' by many as well as one of Scorsese's best.

I didn't really like it.

I love Scorsese and I love De Niro, but I didn't love this film.

I 'got it', but I just didn't really enjoy it.

Just me?

Maybe. What you got to ask yourself is what your preconceptions and expectations were when you sat down to watch it. This film is 38 years old, it's from a different time however that isn't to say it's aged in anyway. I've never found it a comfortable film to watch, but its compelling, disturbing and immaculately directed. De Niro probably only bettered this performance in Raging Bull, the intensity on screen, you really do get sucked into the turmoil.

Well worth a 2nd watch I reckon.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

Every time I see someone doing something I disapprove of morally I fantasise about 'doing a Travis'.

Some bloke threw an empty McDonalds bag out of his car on the A27 the other day and I instinctively reached for my Magnum. I think you need to watch it again mate, it's forever rooted in my top 5 films of all time.

Unless they make another Shrek, at least.

 

[Ravids]

Taxi Driver is pretty good, but certainly not one of the best films of all time (which many claim it to be).

 

[BadFish]

Not seen it for a while but I think I will give it another watch this weekend.....and mean streets.

 

[Dr. Notthenineo'clocknews]

Maybe. What you got to ask yourself is what your preconceptions and expectations were when you sat down to watch it. This film is 38 years old, it's from a different time however that isn't to say it's aged in anyway. I've never found it a comfortable film to watch, but its compelling, disturbing and immaculately directed. De Niro probably only bettered this performance in Raging Bull, the intensity on screen, you really do get sucked into the turmoil.

Well worth a 2nd watch I reckon.

Indeed, this is without doubt my favourite film of all time, he's been totally let down after serving in Vietnam with no help at all and for want of a better phrase, has lost the plot. He cares very passionately about his environment and the people around him. His frustrations push him over the edge. I walk down London Rd every day and If I did a 'Travis Bickle' I'd die a happy man!

 

[keaton]

I never really got the fuss about most Scorsese films. Raging Bull and Goodfellas are very good, but the rest leave me a bit meh and for the last decade or so he needs an Editor badly

 

[Badger]

Interesting, I am yet to see Taxi Driver but I bought it on Blu-Ray recently having been told I have to see it. I've been saving it to watch on an evening when I won't be distracted, I get the feeling you need to give it your full attention to appreciate it.

 

[rcf0712]

Alarmingly off-topic but I feel I've been let down.

I'm a big film-buff and although the following may suggest otherwise; I've just watched Taxi Driver for the first time.

It's regarded as an 'all-time great' by many as well as one of Scorsese's best.

I didn't really like it.

I love Scorsese and I love De Niro, but I didn't love this film.

I 'got it', but I just didn't really enjoy it.

Just me?

You'd have been blown away if you saw it when it was released, trust me, groundbreaking stuff at the time

 

[Mowgli37]

Just finished it. I have to say it was a fantastic film, the slow pace may be a turn off for some but I felt it made the finale all the more dramatic. Brilliant score by Bernard Herrmann as well.

 

[H block]

I never really got the fuss about most Scorsese films. Raging Bull and Goodfellas are very good, but the rest leave me a bit meh and for the last decade or so he needs an Editor badly

Goodfellas is a masterpiece. How the Departed got the plaudits it did is beyond me and Taxidriver is good but I do agree with the OP to a degree.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Goodfellas? For years my favourite film. Haven't seen it for ages, but I suspect I'd love it just as much if I saw it again now.

 

[BrianWade4]

Agree

Weird and dull

 

[Easy 10]

I liked it, but I didn't love it.

Goodfellas and Casino I loved from the first viewing. THOSE are Scorsese at his best, I don't think he ever bettered them.

Gangs of New York was my next fave.

 

[leigull]

Had a rewatch of it this weekend as a result of this thread. Didn't think anything of it first time round (i was quite young), but really liked it on second viewing. Very good and very cleverly shot by Scorsese, but wouldn't quite put it up there with the all time greats.