Martin Scorsese

Taxi Driver is such a timeless masterpiece, it's amazing. Some random thoughts while revisiting this film: Sure, New York isn't the scuzz pit it was in the 70s and 80s anymore, but everything the film touches on regarding urban decay and the filth that people immerse themselves in will always ring true. People try to reject voice over, and yet this film does it flawlessly. Bickle is a character with definite issues and doesn't fit in whatsoever, and yet he's charming and likable as he trudges on his absurd quest to establish morality in New York through extremism. The cinematography and editing is just superb. They do such an excellent job of capturing quick tracking shots surveying the grimy streets from the cab, and I don't recall any films that do a more subtle yet beautiful job of bokeh than this either. The shallow focus used throughout the film captures Bickle's isolation and his narrow scope on the world. Oh, and that jazz score still feels as powerful as ever, thank god they didn't elect for some 70s-era sound and went for a classical approach instead. Seeing this film on the big screen was such a treat, I'm going to start seeing classics in theaters more often.

I told you not to go to that Road House screening instead.

I would definitely like to see The Thing in theaters.

You guys need to come to LA. New Beverly, American Cinematheque, we've got dozens of movie theaters that just play classics.

I get a decent number of shots to see classic movies in theaters but usually leave them on the table. I don't see much of a point in the Fathom event type things since they're just doing digital projection and that's essentially like watching a blu-ray in a theater. There is a place near me that shows actual film prints, but it's a longish drive and isn't always worth it. I have caught a couple of things like 2001, Lawrence, and Vertigo over the years, and I'm also down to see old movies in theaters if they're otherwise hard to find, but for the most part if I'm going to the trouble of going out to a theater I want it to be to see something that isn't already sitting in by collection.

If you go to the right theaters you can get 4K projection

I'm moving there early next year, just finishing up a couple short films and getting my finances in order before I do so.  I can't wait.

When I think of February I will inevitably think of Taxi Driver. The romantic drama of 1976.

I wore my Taxi Driver shirt on set yesterday and had no idea I was doing it on its release day. I AM SHOOK!

The Martin Scorsese Wired Autocomplete Interview is not far behind.