Taxi Driver-existential film?!
Question: Taxi Driver-existential film!?
Can 'Taxi Driver' be considered an existential film!?
If so, can someone please explain to me how, such as what elements of the film make it so!?
thanks =]Www@Enter-QA@Com
If so, can someone please explain to me how, such as what elements of the film make it so!?
thanks =]Www@Enter-QA@Com
Answers:
Wikipedia defines existentialism as:
"Existentialism tends to focus on the question of human existence — the feeling that there is no purpose, indeed nothing, at the core of existence!."
"Existentialism is a philosophical movement which posits that individuals create the meaning and essence of their lives, as opposed to deities or authorities creating it for them!."
In the film Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle searches for meaning and a purpose!. His occupation is a perfect example of this - he drives around in his cab without purpose until he finds someone to give him direction!. In the film, he finds 2 "someones" - Betsy & Iris!. Wanting to make something of himself, he tries to impress Betsy and win her over but is rejected!. He plans on killing the object of Betsy affection (senator) but his amatuer attempt is foiled!.
Left with the power to make a difference but nobody to help, Bickel decides to help Iris get off the streets!. His rash and mentally unstable actions cause him to be a called a hero - simply because he lashed out at bad people and not the senator (as originally planned)!.
Bickel's quest to find a purpose in his life and take action to give his life meaning would make this an existential film!.
Hope this helps!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
"Existentialism tends to focus on the question of human existence — the feeling that there is no purpose, indeed nothing, at the core of existence!."
"Existentialism is a philosophical movement which posits that individuals create the meaning and essence of their lives, as opposed to deities or authorities creating it for them!."
In the film Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle searches for meaning and a purpose!. His occupation is a perfect example of this - he drives around in his cab without purpose until he finds someone to give him direction!. In the film, he finds 2 "someones" - Betsy & Iris!. Wanting to make something of himself, he tries to impress Betsy and win her over but is rejected!. He plans on killing the object of Betsy affection (senator) but his amatuer attempt is foiled!.
Left with the power to make a difference but nobody to help, Bickel decides to help Iris get off the streets!. His rash and mentally unstable actions cause him to be a called a hero - simply because he lashed out at bad people and not the senator (as originally planned)!.
Bickel's quest to find a purpose in his life and take action to give his life meaning would make this an existential film!.
Hope this helps!.Www@Enter-QA@Com