This scene happens when Travis Bickle is alone in his motel room, looking into the mirror. He practices talking to himself, holding a gun and asking, 'You talking to me?' This moment captures his isolation and growing disconnection from society. His anger boils under the surface as he feels increasingly alienated in the neon-lit, gritty streets of New York City.

Context: Travis is a Vietnam War veteran struggling to find his place in a city that feels dark and corrupt. His mental state deteriorates as he becomes more obsessed with violence as a solution to his feelings of powerlessness.

In an awkward and cringe-worthy sequence, Travis takes Betsy to a porno theater on their date. The tension is palpable as Betsy is visibly uncomfortable. This scene is pivotal as it shows Travis's inability to connect and understand social norms, showcasing his deeper issues of intimacy and loneliness.

Context: Travis has a crush on Betsy, a campaign worker. He wants to impress her but fails spectacularly, highlighting his ineptitude in human relationships and setting the stage for his descent into madness.

During a taxi ride, Travis picks up a passenger who turns out to be a colonel. They have a conversation about freedom and the meaning of life, which leaves Travis more frustrated as he realizes the disconnect between their ideals and his reality. The colonel's condescending attitude only amplifies Travis's inner turmoil.

Context: Travis often finds himself in conversations that reflect his thoughts on life and his frustrations with society. This interaction is crucial as it reveals Travis's inner conflict and growing discontent with the world around him.

Travis enters a gun shop and buys weapons with a chilling sense of purpose. His face is emotionless, almost robotic, indicating his determination to take control of his life in the only way he feels he can. The setting is grim as he expertly handles the guns, reinforcing his transformation into an embodiment of violence.

Context: This scene represents the turning point where Travis embraces violence as a means to assert himself. It foreshadows the dramatic actions he will take later in the film, highlighting his mental breakdown.

The climax of the film occurs when Travis goes on a violent rampage to 'cleanse' the city. The visuals are chaotic and intense as he confronts various figures he deems corrupt. The frenetic pace and dramatic music heighten the tension, illustrating Travis's complete psychological unraveling.

Context: Driving towards a resolution, this moment shows the culmination of Travis's struggles. He believes he is performing a noble act, but the reality is a tragic misinterpretation of justice and heroism.

In the aftermath of the violence, Travis stares at himself in the mirror once again, blood smeared and looking haggard. The scene's silence speaks volumes as he reflects on his choices and any potential redemption. The audience feels a mix of horror and understanding at his despair.

Context: This moment reveals that Travis might not be a hero or villain but a deeply troubled individual. It deepens our understanding of his character as someone who is desperately seeking meaning in a chaotic world.

At the film's end, Travis takes a ride in his taxi, seemingly changed. The dramatic score plays as we witness the aftermath of his actions. The once-aimless driver now seems somewhat at peace, but the ambiguity leaves viewers questioning the cost of his journey.

Context: This closing scene encapsulates the film's themes of alienation and the search for identity. Even after chaos, the unresolved nature of his transformation resonates, leaving the audience in a state of contemplation.

Travis confronts Sport, who is involved with Iris, with a chilling determination. He delivers his lines with a frigid calmness, indicating his readiness to take drastic actions. This confrontation is tense, filled with unspoken threats and emotional volatility.

Context: This moment encapsulates Travis's obsession with rescuing Iris, showcasing his moral complexity and misguided sense of justice, which leaves viewers unsettled.

Travis meets Iris, a young prostitute, in a pivotal scene. He attempts to connect with her, portraying a mix of compassion and desperate need to save her. The stark contrast between their lives is palpable, reflecting societal decay and innocence lost.

Context: Iris symbolizes the innocence Travis seeks to protect, but his obsession pushes this moment into a realm of tragedy. It highlights his savior complex and deep longing for connection.

In a quiet moment, Travis sinks into despair while parked in his taxi, staring at the urban landscape surrounding him. The city's chaos reflects his internal struggle. The shot lingers, displaying his desolation and isolation more profoundly than any dialogue.

Context: This scene is a powerful reflection on Travis's mental state, depicting his feelings of insignificance within the sprawling cityscape. It's a moment that evokes empathy from the audience.

Travis's philosophy on violence culminates in a chilling monologue moments before he confronts his destiny. His fervent declarations about cleansing the streets resonate with his deteriorated mental state, blurring the line between heroism and madness.

Context: This explicit moment reveals the depths of Travis's detachment from reality, serving as a commentary on the effects of war and societal neglect on mental health, which is one of the film’s central themes.

After being saved by Travis, Iris undergoes a brief moment of transformation. She looks at him with gratitude while also hinting at her own brokenness. Her expression reflects the pain of lost youth and innocence, making this interaction heavy with emotional resonance.

Context: This moment serves to highlight the film's exploration of lost innocence and the impacts of a harsh environment, adding depth to Iris's character and her relationship with Travis.

As Travis drives through the city, the billboards flash vibrant advertisements contrasting with the grim reality of his life. This dissonance becomes a visual representation of his inner conflict, amplifying the film's critique of societal values and consumerism.

Context: This scene showcases the stark contrast of external beauty against internal turmoil, emphasizing the film's overarching themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a superficial society.

Travis’s nighttime taxi rides through the city are punctuated with snapshots of violence and depravity. The contrast between the bright lights and the dark deeds of the city create a haunting atmosphere that encapsulates his changing mental state.

Context: These drives serve as a metaphor for Travis's journey into darkness, representing both his personal struggles and a broader commentary on societal decay.

When Travis confronts Iris's pimp, the tension is almost unbearable. The gritty surroundings mirror the moral decay reflected in their dialogue. This encounter signifies Travis's transformation from passive observer to an active agent of violence.

Context: This scene showcases the stark moral contrasts present, emphasizing Travis’s internal struggle and growing sense of agency, which drives the narrative forward.

The brief moments where Travis speaks directly to the camera draw viewers in, breaking the fourth wall in a way that forces the audience to empathize with his isolation and misery. These moments are haunting, leaving a lingering sense of discomfort.

Context: These direct addresses serve to deepen the audience's understanding of Travis's psyche, creating a unique connection while also reinforcing the alienation theme that permeates the film.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Travis speaks with a fellow taxi driver about life. This conversation reveals his deep-seated fears and longing for acceptance, providing insight into his tormented mind.

Context: This scene highlights the loneliness that pervades Travis's life, adding depth to his character and illustrating the effects of alienation.

The film ends with a chilling final shot of Travis, now a local hero after his violent spree. The abrupt shift in perception leaves viewers questioning the nature of heroism and morality. The camera slowly zooms in on his face, leaving his true feelings ambiguous.

Context: This closing moment encapsulates the film's themes of alienation, violence, and the search for meaning in a complex world, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking conclusion.