Reviews

There are so many levels to this film that it would be impossible (at least for me) to comment in any intelligent way. While there are many scenes that seem to sum up the film, I'm reminded of one particular scene between Travis and Wizard (Peter Boyle). They are standing outside a diner about to go on their Taxi routes. Travis keeps saying that he is going to do something...something (and he can't put it into words). He is clearly frustrated and his anger is close to the surface. He is desparately trying to tell Wizard that he is going to do "something." Wizard clearly sees that Travis is upset and frustrated. He looks at Travis and says. "You know what your problem is, Travis?" He continues..."You think too much." Wizard finishes the discussion with "Don't think so much." Like many scenes in this movie, they sort of get by you without you fully understanding the weight of the moment. When Wizard tells Travis that he thinks too much (as a simple observation), he is really saying something about Travis that is both profound and comprehensive. Travis' sensitivity to the world around him is so overwhelming that he cannot sort it all out, no matter how hard he tries. He is left to express his anxiety and frustration in only one way...through violence.

Is Travis a hero or a villian? This is the theme of the movie. The fact that it is left up to the viewer to decide is what makes this film one of the best ever.

-Paige

This is a wonderful movie that never fails to impress me whenever I view it. I'm amazed that it is not out on DVD yet.

As many have stated, Kirk felt that this was his favorite movie and I quite agree. As the existential drifter searching for something that has long passed him by, Kirk delivers a stunning performance. I felt that the character development in this film was outstanding. Each individual plays an important role in delivering the theme of the story.

I was amazed that no one wrote about the bar fight scene where Burns battles a bitter one-armed local. There is something disturbing about this encounter...the one-armed man's bitterness and Burns' attempt to avoid the confrontation. Handled in black and white, this scene is memorable.

This film easily makes my top ten list.

-Paige