Taxi Driver (1976) Martin Scorsese
Discussion Questions, Resources, and Viewing Guide
“Madness in Movies” Coordinated Studies
Brian Holt & JC Clapp, North Seattle Community College, 2013
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Describe in detail the opening credits and the closing credits. How do they "match" or
book-end the film?
In the opening 5-10 minutes of the film we find out a tremendous amount about Travis
(such as that he can't sleep, he was in the Marines, he served in Vietnam, he pops pills,
etc.). What all do we find out and how is the information given to us? How do these first
5-10 minutes set up the entire film?
Discuss the use of voice-over in this film. How is voice-over used? When is it used? What
is it associated with? How does it effect the viewer's understanding of Travis (and of his
view of the world)? Iris's father does a voice-over as well. What's the significance of
having another character, other than Travis, do a voice-over?
There are many elements (and motifs) that repeat. Choose a few that you find especially
interesting and explain the effect. Some examples: rain, fog coming out of maintenance
covers, desks, neon signs, traffic lights. What other elements can you find? Think
carefully about the effect of repetition.
The color red is used a lot -- why is it used and what is the significance? What is the color
red associated with? What other colors are significant and why?
Look at the use of glass (looking through glass, into mirrors, surrounded by glass windows,
reflections off the glass, rear-view mirrors, etc.). How and when is glass used? What does
it communicate?
Pay attention to the music and the sounds in this film (both diegetic and non-diegetic).
Pick a scene and analyze how sound/music is used to convey a particular mood.
Track the introduction and progression of Jodie Foster's character (Iris). What role does
she play in the film? Why is her character included?
Notice the introduction and progression of Betsy's character, too. What role does she play
in the film? Why is she included?
Discuss the changes Travis goes through as the movie progresses. Look at how he
changes physically, emotionally, and mentally. Identify the turning points in the narrative
that correspond with the changes.
The massacre (shoot-out) scene at the end of the film is brutal, with very graphic violence.
Describe in detail how that scene is edited and put together.
How much time passes between the shoot-out and the next scene where Travis picks up
Betsy in the cab? What indicates the passage of time?
Identify a few themes of the film and explain how the film develops those themes.