Narrative Question's - Taxi Driver

Who is the hero and who is the villain? How do you know?

- The audience are indicated that Robert DeNiro will be the main character in the film as his name is shown in the credits before the film itself or the other cast members. It is not suggested whether he will be the Hero or the villain as the opening sequence is mainly a extreme close-up of his face to maybe unsettle the viewer or create an understanding with him.

- A suggestion of DeNiro playing the villain is in the opening credits where his name is shown in a red font which represents danger,violence,blood e.t.c things that you would assign to a villain.

- But with only DeNiro being shown in the opening 2 minutes of the film it may even suggest he may be the hero but no outstanding indications are given of this.
- DeNiro's point of view of the city is shown to be quite innocent with many universal colors being shown which could be linked to innocence


How many principal characters are there?
- From the opening sequence the audience know that DeNiro will be the principal character of the film and this fits with the genre of a psychological thriller as most films in the genre revolve around one character e.g. American Psycho, Memento.
With only one main principal character it is easier for the audience to get to know the character and understand them and their emotions e.g. in American psycho the audience can get to know Patrick Bateman through his stream of consciousness and close analysis of his character rather than there being more than one principal character which would make it harder for the viewer to understand the main character and develop an understanding

Where is the story set and what does this tell you about the film genre?

- The film is in set in New York, soon after the Vietnam war. With the film set post-war most of the city would be unsettled and many characters may be seen as flawed or unsure which is a key element to character's in a Psychological thriller. These elements are portrayed through the character of Travis Bickle.
- New york post-war was polluted with prostitution and Drug dealing and these crimes enrage Travis turning his thoughts violent which is linked to the genre being psychological thriller.

How is the story told? Is it in chronological order?

- The film is shown in chronological order and this is chosen by Director Martin Scorsese as it helps the audience get to understand the character Travis Bickle as they seem him experience every event chronologically.