One of the most successful and enduring filmmaking collaborations was between Martin Scorsese and Paul Schrader. Released in 1976, Taxi Driver is a cinematic masterpiece about the dark and gritty underbelly of urban life. The film follows Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver, as he navigates the streets of New York City and grapples with his growing sense of alienation and disillusionment. You can download the script below.
Key highlights of the screenplay:
The Isolation of the Urban Landscape
The script starkly portrays urban alienation and decay. It immerses viewers in the gritty streets of 1970s New York City, where crime, corruption, and despair are rampant. Through Travis Bickle’s eyes, we witness the loneliness and isolation of urban life, as he drives his taxi through the neon-lit streets, searching for meaning and connection in a world devoid of humanity.
Travis Bickle: Portrait of a Troubled Soul
The character of Travis Bickle, brought to life by Robert De Niro’s iconic performance, is the beating heart of Taxi Driver. The script delves deep into Travis’s psyche, exploring his inner turmoil, fractured morality, and descent into madness. As Travis becomes increasingly disillusioned with society, the script takes us on a harrowing journey into the mind of a man teetering on the edge of sanity.
Vigilante Justice and Moral Ambiguity
Taxi Driver explores themes of vigilantism and moral ambiguity, as Travis becomes increasingly obsessed with cleaning up the streets and ridding them of what he perceives as filth and corruption. The script blurs the lines between heroism and villainy, inviting viewers to grapple with uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, and the nature of violence.
The Influence of Cinematic Style
Martin Scorsese’s direction and Paul Schrader’s script work in perfect harmony to create a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The script’s use of voiceover narration, atmospheric cinematography, and evocative soundtrack contribute to the film’s haunting atmosphere and immersive storytelling.
If you’d like to read more scripts, you can head to the Screenplays section.
To write your own screenplay using Scrite, head over to the Downloads section.