Robert De Niro’s Most Famous Scene Is Totally Improvised

Written by Paul Schrader (and considered one of the greatest screenplays of all time), Taxi Driver concerns Travis Bickle, a socially alienated, mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran moonlighting as a cabbie in the gritty, squalid, chaotic streets of New York City. 

Robert De Niro’s character, disgusted and appalled by the crime, sleaze, and decadence he witnesses on the city streets, struggles with debilitating insomnia.

The grime and crime of bankrupt NYC only amplify his alienation and paranoia. Meanwhile, Travis pursues a pretty campaign worker, Betsy, only to lose her in no small part due to his deteriorating mental state.

Soon, Travis endeavors to save a preteen prostitute, Iris (portrayed by Foster), from her circumstances and pimp. 

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