Monday, September 29, 2008

Taxi Driver

This often quoted scene from the 1976 movie taxi driver, has some of the elements i think make up good artfully crafted storytelling. There is a tension and a conflicting emotion when you view it, it's not exactly entertainment because it makes you feel uncomfortable, but it's also funny and engaging at the same time.

1 comment:

Jenn said...

i recently saw this movie for the first time. i loved it. i found it a very "manly" movie. (some people get offended by that kind of a word but get over that for a moment) it has an intensity (obviously) but it also has an intimacy. because the viewer follows him around all of the time, spying on him in personal situation, it is voyeuristic. but he is also telling us the story with 1st person narrative. i like how we get to know the man as an awkward losery guy, feel sympathy. it is jarring to watch someone u feel pity for turn into a murderer. the clip in particular demonstrates this inner turmoil with the humor in his pathetic attempt at being a cool gunslinger and the devastating understanding that he has lost his mind and will kill. the part where he is practicing his lines and directly engages the audience is a really nice part. i think it is really good when an art work can bring the viewer into it.