tech
‘People are still isolated and obsessive’: De Niro, Scorsese, Foster and Schrader reunite for Taxi Driver at 50
The director, screenwriter and stars of the 1976 classic film spoke about its making and parallels to the internet age at New York’s Tribeca film festival
TL;DR
- The cast and crew of 'Taxi Driver' gathered to mark the film's 50th anniversary and discuss its enduring relevance.
- Director Martin Scorsese noted the film's universal themes of isolation and loneliness, which continue to speak to young people.
- Screenwriter Paul Schrader expressed surprise at the film's continued resonance, calling it 'very peculiar'.
- The film's themes of alienation and the 'angry young man' archetype are seen as prophetic, drawing parallels to modern issues like extremist internet groups.
- The cast and crew reflected on the film's portrayal of New York City in the 1970s, a stark contrast to its current, gentrified state.
- Scorsese and De Niro commented on how the digital age and increased isolation might exacerbate the loneliness depicted in the film.
- Discussions also included changes in filmmaking technology and the challenges of making movies.
- The iconic 'You talkin' to me?' line was improvised by Robert De Niro during filming.