Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro, drives his taxi through the dark, rain-soaked streets of New York City. As he observes the people around him, we see his deep sense of loneliness and alienation. This scene is built up by Travis’s daily life, where he struggles to connect with others and is haunted by the city’s chaos. The powerful moment peaks when he looks into the rearview mirror and quietly states, 'You talking to me?' It captures his intense loneliness and his desire for some form of connection. After this scene, the audience really understands Travis's mindset and his unraveling mental state. The emotion evokes sadness and a sense of empathy for his plight. This scene is significant as it sets the tone for Travis’s character - a man deeply at odds with himself and the world around him.

Context: This moment comes early in the film, reflecting Travis’s perspective of the world. It establishes his character's isolation and his inner turmoil which drives the narrative forward.

Travis takes Betsy, played by Cybill Shepherd, to see 'The Connection.' The build-up involves Travis's nervousness and excitement about taking Betsy out, showing his yearning for companionship. The pivotal moment occurs when Betsy realizes the film is not what she expected, and she stands up to leave, sensing that their worldviews clash drastically. The aftermath sees Travis heartbroken and questioning himself. He feels more isolated than ever, leading him further down a dark path. Viewers feel the sting of rejection and the raw vulnerability of Travis. This scene highlights the theme of disconnection and the difficulty in forming relationships.

Context: This takes place after Travis has developed feelings for Betsy, illustrating the clash between his dark world and her more hopeful outlook.

Travis decides to buy a gun to take control over his life. The context leading up to this involves his growing frustration with the city’s violence and his feeling of helplessness. The pivotal moment is the moment he confidently asks for a .44 Magnum. The tension peaks here as we see his transformation from a passive observer to someone ready to take action. This decision shows his shift towards violence. After this scene, Travis becomes more dangerous and impulsive. The emotional weight here is one of foreboding, leaving viewers anxious about what Travis might do next. This scene highlights themes of violence and the lengths to which individuals go when feeling powerless.

Context: This scene illustrates a turning point for Travis as he opts for violence as a solution to his feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Travis attends a presidential rally where he feels the excitement of the crowd but remains detached. The build-up involves him following the campaign trail but feeling out of place among the throngs of supporters. The pivotal moment is when he stands in a bathroom at the rally and decides he wants to make a name for himself in a destructive way. The aftermath leads Travis down the path toward violence that culminates in disastrous events. Viewers feel a mix of confusion and curiosity about his motives. This moment perfectly encapsulates his internal struggle with purpose and his misguided desires. It represents his desire to be seen and heard, even if it leads him to destruction.

Context: This scene underlines Travis's state of mind and his growing obsession with a destructive purpose as he grapples with his identity.

Travis decides to save Iris, a young prostitute, from her situation. The build-up occurs when he sees her that night in his taxi and learns about her troubled life. The pivotal moment happens when he confronts her pimp, Sport, leading to a standoff filled with tension. The action escalates fiercely, culminating in gunfire. After this scene, Travis goes from being a withdrawn man to one filled with purpose, even if it's misguided. Viewers feel a surge of urgency and hope for Iris’s future, but also dread fearing the violence that will follow. This moment explores themes of redemption and the lengths one will go to save another.

Context: Travis's obsession with reclaiming his sense of purpose drives him to this climactic encounter, setting the stage for his transformation.

The climax occurs in the brothel, where Travis confronts the characters representing the city’s darkness. The build-up consists of Travis turning into a vigilante, a man who feels justified in his actions. The pivotal moment is when he draws his weapon and starts shooting, his pent-up rage spilling forth in brutal violence. The aftermath leaves a stark contrast to his earlier isolation, as he now holds an unsettling presence. Viewers feel shock, fear, and even a strange relief as Travis acts against the brutality he despises. This scene highlights the extremes of vigilantism and the consequences of isolation spiraling into violence.

Context: This scene encompasses Travis's final transformation into the man he believes he needs to be, unable to recognize the cost of his newfound identity.

After his violent actions, Travis encounters Betsy again. During their interaction, Travis tries to explain himself but there's an overwhelming distance between them. The emotional build-up sees Travis wanting connection, but he can no longer bridge the gap. The pivotal moment occurs when Betsy recoils from him, unable to accept who he’s become. The aftermath highlights Travis’s complete isolation. The viewers feel heartbreak for both characters—Betsy realizes the lengths of Travis's struggle, while he is confronted with the reality of his choices. This moment resonates deeply as it is emblematic of unbridgeable divides and lost opportunities.

Context: This meeting poses the ultimate contrast between who Travis was and who he has become, illustrating the narrative's tragic trajectory.

After his confrontation at the brothel, Travis drives through the city, reflecting on what he has done. The build-up of this scene comes from the chaos he’s unleashed and the contemplation of his own psyche. The pivotal moment is when he gazes into the mirror again, understanding a changed version of himself. The aftermath suggests a price for his actions; he earned notoriety but at the cost of his sanity. Viewers feel a mix of admiration and despair—Travis has reclaimed a sense of purpose, but he has entered a dark abyss. This scene embodies the themes of moral ambiguity and the chase for redemption, echoing the human condition.

Context: This moment cements the binary nature of Travis's character transformation while he reflects on the ramifications of his violent actions.

The film concludes with Travis’s redemption arc, where he saves Iris and becomes a local hero. The build-up consists of the chains of violence lifting, replaced with public admiration. The pivotal moment lies in his recognition by the media and society as a savior. The aftermath, however, doesn’t resolve the deeper issues—Travis remains in a grey area morally. Viewers feel conflicted; are we meant to admire him or fear him? This closing scene encapsulates the ambiguity of heroism and reflects the complexities of human behavior. It prompts viewers to reflect on societal issues, violence, and morality.

Context: This concluding moment ties back to the film’s exploration of isolation, society’s perception of heroism, and the tragic pursuit of identity.