Screen Language
Hidden meaning
Complex integration of visuals and sounds
Importantly, it allows you to add layers to the story that go beyond the words on the page of the script. 
Language changes as you change as people

Taxi driver is a perfect example of how a director can add LAYERS to a story by the way it’s directed.

Made on location, with no special effects. Scorsese created a complex story from Paul Schrader’s script.

CHARACTERS
Travis- Complex character, opens up with ordinary clothes. Can represent every man. When he goes half naked when working out, he has a scar on his back. This introduces another layer to this character. We know he’s a veteran from the start when he applies for the job. This symbolises that he has had a hard time in Vietnam. There is no scene where he talks about being there and how awful it was. The mohawk haircut shows rebellion and also a lot of soldiers in the regiment red on his jacket (Suits of armour) would cut their hair like this to scare appoints. Native American. Unstable metamorphosis, racist, and mentally ill. The good guy? Anti-Hero. 



Betsy- All white costume, symbol of purity. There are only two scenes Travis isn't in. Scene with Betsy and her co-worker and Matthew and Iris. Both share a love interest. Last Betsy scene is where she appears as in the rear-view mirror. Seems authorial like a mirage. Almost like she's a figment of his imagination. Angle, lover, threat, eyes, truth. She sees through Travis straight away, even when he's looking from the taxi.

Iris- Goes from not having that much in the way of clothes to waring child-like clothes. 

Other characters- Others are brief. The Wizard, the gun salesman, the pimp and the co-worker. Although minor characters, they are invested to the piece. 

SETTING- New York  City. We are given Time, setting, tone, character, mood, story, authenticity. 

We always get a sense of place, where he's at. It makes him seem isolated in many shots, even when he's around people, its like he's not connected. 

Phone scene- We only hear Travis talk, not Betsy. We are listening to Travis and following his story. Its almost as though she's left the situation.
The camera then moves, and we feel its going to reveal something. Seems completely unmotivated. Symbolic of us moving from her? Also could reflect his loneliness, to an empty, drab corridor. He then walks into that void that the camera has created. 


Camera is often prowling around Travis

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