Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological drama movie directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd and Harvey Keitel. Set in a decaying and morally bankrupt New York City following the Vietnam War, the film tells the story of Travis Bickle (De Niro), a lonely taxi driver who descends into insanity
Taxi Driver was a critical and commercial success upon release and nominated for four Academy Awards, the film generated controversy at the time of its release for its depiction of violence. In 1975, Travis Bickle is a lonely, depressed 26-year-old living in isolation in New York City. He is increasingly oppressed by the corruption around him and takes a job as a night shift taxi driver to cope with his chronic insomnia, driving passengers around the city's boroughs. This was Bernard Herrmann’s final score before his death in December 1975 and the film is dedicated to his memory. Herrmann was an American composer best known for his work in composing for films. He is particularly known for his collaborations with director Alfred Hitchcock, most famously Psycho, North by Northwest, The Man Who Knew Too Much and Vertigo. He also composed scores for many other films, including Citizen Kane, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Cape Fear, Fahrenheit 451, and Taxi Driver. .