Taxi Driver (1976): 25 SECRETS Hidden for Decades

Taxi Driver remains one of the most powerful and influential films in cinema history. Released in 1976, Martin Scorsese's masterpiece shocked audiences with its unflinching portrayal of loneliness and urban decay in New York City. But the story behind the camera was just as intense as what appeared on screen.

Robert De Niro's commitment to the role went far beyond typical preparation. He actually worked as a licensed cab driver for weeks, driving real passengers through Manhattan's streets at night to understand Travis Bickle's world. The production itself was grueling, with nearly every scene filmed during nighttime hours, leaving the cast and crew exhausted and disoriented.

From the controversial casting decisions to the near X-rating that almost destroyed its release, Taxi Driver pushed everyone involved to their absolute limits. Paul Schrader wrote the script during his darkest period of isolation, pouring his own despair into Travis's character. Bernard Herrmann composed his final score and passed away the same night he finished recording, leaving behind a haunting musical legacy.

The film faced fierce opposition at Cannes, with some viewers walking out while others recognized its brilliance. Despite the controversy, it won the Palme d'Or and went on to influence generations of filmmakers. The famous improvised line, the iconic mohawk, and the ambiguous ending all became legendary elements of cinema history.