Mise en Scene

The 1976 film, "Taxi Driver," is a crime/noir film that focuses on a disturbed man, Travis Bickle, who suffers from insomnia and takes on a job as a Taxi driver. While the audience watches him travel through the city at night, we see insight on his belief that certain people are scum and animals who need to be cleaned up off the street. Not only that, but he struggles to create relationships with people. During this time he sees Betsy, a woman working for a presidential candidate in their campaign. The scene I want to dive into and break down, is the first date between Travis and Betsy.

4:00-6:00

In the scene, Travis wears a dark red vest and Betsy wears a bright red dress to the date. The general concept of the color red can mean romance and/or danger. I believe, that both meanings apply to this scene. Yes, both characters wear red and it represents the fact that both of them are interested in each other. Travis, however, is wearing a much deeper red and I believe that this symbolizes the danger within his mind. He struggles to fully connect with people. His awkwardness during the date and jealously towards Betsy's work partner also work to relay the dangerous obsession that Travis already has with Betsy.

At 4:13, Travis compliments Betsy's eyes and the camera shows her smile. Suddenly, the audience sees multiple yellow taxis appear when the camera switches to Travis. I believe it demonstrates the inner happiness the compliment brought Betsy when he called her eyes beautiful. However, his inner jealousy begins to seep out when he asks Betsy if she "likes" the guy she works with. The big yellow truck that has been there the whole scene may be a way of aiming the audience towards feeling more cautious as we know that he is not in the right mindset.

A couple seconds later, Travis continues to rant about how he does not like Betsy's coworker. A bus then pulls into the background while the camera is taking a two-shot. The bus contains drawings of green olives on the side. It may be a bit of a stretch but I believe that the color green presented from the olives were meant to solidify to the audience that Travis is very jealous. 

Finally, the lighting within the scene is mainly natural and comes from the sun, through the window, unto Travis and Betsy. This develops a feel of authenticity as well as directing the attention of the audience towards the two characters, specifically at their faces.

All these elements are combined to create subtle yet introspective views on the characters. The lighting also helps focus on the characters' body language and their facial expressions. It makes the film feel realistic, as if the audience can empathize with the characters and even make them feel as if they're present in that exact moment. That is why I enjoy the movie a great deal. It allows for the audience's interpretation and presents subtle hints that reveal characteristics. It is a great movie film but does contain quite a bit of profanity and other things, so be cautious when viewing.