Did You Know These 10 Things About ‘Taxi Driver’?

When ‘Taxi Driver’ premiered in 1976, it shocked audiences with its raw portrayal of urban isolation and psychological breakdown. Directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader, the film followed Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam veteran who becomes a New York cab driver. Played by Robert De Niro, Travis drifts into violence as he struggles with loneliness, obsession, and his view of society’s decay.

The film was both controversial and critically acclaimed, becoming one of the defining works of 1970s American cinema. With its gritty atmosphere, Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score, and Scorsese’s bold direction, ‘Taxi Driver’ remains one of the most influential films ever made. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘Taxi Driver’.

The Script Was Written in a Few Weeks

Paul Schrader wrote the screenplay in just under a month while dealing with his own struggles with loneliness and depression.

His personal experiences heavily shaped Travis Bickle’s alienation and mental unraveling.

Robert De Niro Drove a Taxi for Research

To prepare for the role, De Niro actually worked as a New York City cab driver for several weeks.

This experience helped him capture Travis’s mannerisms and authentic connection to the city streets.

The Famous Line Was Improvised

De Niro’s iconic “You talkin’ to me?” scene was improvised during filming.

The line became one of the most quoted in film history and perfectly captured Travis’s unstable psyche.

Jodie Foster Was Only 12 Years Old

Jodie Foster played Iris, the young prostitute Travis tries to rescue. She was only 12 during filming.

To comply with child labor laws, a welfare worker was present on set, and her older sister served as her body double for sensitive scenes.

Bernard Herrmann Scored the Film Before His Death

Legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, known for ‘Psycho,’ created the score for ‘Taxi Driver.’

It was his final work, completed just hours before his death in 1975.

The Film Sparked Controversy for Its Violence

The climactic shootout was considered shockingly graphic for its time.

To avoid an X rating, Scorsese desaturated the colors in the scene to reduce the impact of the blood.

Harvey Keitel Helped Shape His Role

Harvey Keitel, who played pimp Sport, improvised much of his dialogue.

He even spent time on the streets of New York to study real-life pimps, adding authenticity to his character.

The Cannes Jury Was Divided

‘Taxi Driver’ won the Palme d’Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, though the jury was split due to its disturbing subject matter.

Despite the controversy, the award cemented the film’s status as a cinematic landmark.

It Was Linked to a Real-Life Assassination Attempt

In 1981, John Hinckley Jr. cited ‘Taxi Driver’ as an influence when he attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

He became obsessed with Jodie Foster’s character, blurring fiction and reality in a disturbing way.

It’s Considered One of Scorsese’s Greatest Films

‘Taxi Driver’ frequently ranks among the best films ever made and is often highlighted as one of Scorsese’s masterpieces.

Its exploration of alienation, violence, and urban decay continues to resonate nearly fifty years later.

What fact about ‘Taxi Driver’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!