Lars Vermeire

Yes, I smiled the whole time, but how dare they say Audrey has a ‘funny face’? She is literally the definition of perfection…

🚕 Although both Scorsese and De Niro are among my all-time favorites in the movie industry, I never got around to watching what is arguably their most iconic collaboration. For a film that heavily relies on social commentary, it was very intriguing to see that, exactly 50 years after its original release, nearly every element they included is still relevant today. To my surprise, this film is also, in a way, about the Vietnam War. Thanks to Travis’s negative mental state after his experiences there, he is driven on this mad trip. This adds a deeper meaning to the plot, raising questions about what someone becomes after being sent on what can essentially be described as a useless and extremely violent killing spree in Vietnam.   Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Travis is among his best work. I would have absolutely believed the man was genuinely crazy. The way Bickle’s reactions escalate in each scene, with emotions growing more intense, is a remarkable achievement. Another jaw-dropping fact is that Jodie Foster, who plays a teenage girl prostituting herself, was only 12 years old when she filmed her scenes. She delivered a performance that, without seeming overly theatrical, surpasses many child performances I have seen. On a side note to the main plot, two other characters, played brilliantly by Cybill Shepherd and Albert Brooks, help illustrate the impact Travis has on others and highlight how detached he truly is from society. Like, he took Betsy on a date to a showing of a pornographic movie, which is certainly not a fun activity or something I would personally ask anyone. Even smaller roles, like Harvey Keitel’s and Peter Boyle’s, felt significant thanks to the high-quality writing behind their characters. Their performances never felt out of place, they felt necessary.   The film’s visuals are quintessentially Scorsese, and that’s exactly what I love about all his movies. Many quick cuts, close-ups, and shots convey deep insights into the characters instead of trying to impress with style alone. Thank you, Marty! While I usually prefer movies that feature lots of color, since our world is already dark enough, I must admit that the combination of the dark NYC streets with the bright yellow cabs creates a nostalgic and warm feeling, even though I’ve never been there. Many films from the 70s boast extraordinary scores, but it’s rare to find one like this that features jazz so prominently. That’s a shame because, as you can hear here, jazz has a powerful effect on each scene. The breathtaking trumpet melodies stay with me long after the film ends. It almost felt as if they were a character of their own.   Overall, this movie was well worth waiting my entire life to watch. If you don’t call this an absolute classic, I’m not sure what does. Above all, this is a film that doesn’t just deliver a bunch of action scenes; it carries a message for everyone to take in on their own, which is what makes watching movies so enjoyable. 🚖

It’s at all times charming and powered by a very fun cast, but above all, I want Antonio Banderas to cook his signature dish for me. Damn, that looked delicious!

Going to Paris will never be the same now that I know Audrey’s golden rules. Why didn’t we just give her all the Oscars in the world while she was still here? It doesn’t get much better than this…