Taxi Driver: Does Robert De Niro’s Travis Bickle die in the end? Here's what we know

The beauty of cinema lies in its ability to transport you to the farthest reaches of your imagination, to places you never thought existed. Movies with open endings, where there is no definitive climax on the screen, are particularly captivating. These films allow the viewer to become a co-author, shaping the conclusion according to their own imagination and preferences. This unique quality often leads such films to achieve cult status, as they resonate with audiences who are eager to explore and interpret the story in their own way. One quintessential example of such a film is Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. This cinematic gem has kept audiences speculating for decades, particularly about whether De Niro’s character, Travis Bickle, dies at the end.

Does Travis Brickle Die In Taxi Driver?

Taxi Driver has cemented its place as one of the greatest films ever made. The impact of this movie over the decades is undeniable, with very few films coming close to replicating the magic and depth of Scorsese’s work. However, the biggest enigma that continues to intrigue fans is Travis Bickle’s fate. While many theories and analyses suggest that the character dies in the climax, these interpretations are not without merit. Let’s delve into this.

This speculation isn't without foundation. Screenwriter Paul Schrader, who worked on Taxi Driver, has addressed this longstanding question. The theory that Travis dies stems from the brutal shootout at the film’s climax, where Bickle is severely wounded. According to this theory, the final moments of the movie, where Travis appears to be alive, are actually a figment of his imagination as he succumbs to his injuries.

Also Read: Robert De Niro to reprise his role from Taxi Driver for an advertisement?

When a fan asked Schrader about this theory, he provided an intriguing response. Although he and Scorsese did not intend for Travis to die, Schrader acknowledged that it is a legitimate interpretation. This means viewers are not wrong in believing that Travis Bickle dies at the end of Taxi Driver. In a social media comment cited by Screenrant, Schrader stated, “It wasn’t our intention but it’s a legitimate interpretation.”

The Ending of Taxi Driver

The climax of Taxi Driver is a masterclass in shocking and violent twists. When Iris (played by Jodie Foster), a child prostitute, needs rescuing, Travis Bickle takes it upon himself to bust the brothel. In a violent spree, he kills the pimp and one of her clients, suffering multiple gunshot wounds in the process. He even kills the brothel’s bouncer. In the film’s most memorable scene, after running out of bullets, Travis points a finger gun to his head, symbolizing a mock suicide. The film ends ambiguously, leaving viewers to speculate on what happens next.

Taxi Driver is currently available for streaming on Zee5 for rent and can also be accessed with an OTTplay Premium subscription. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more information on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

Also Read: Monsoon Magic: When Parasite used rain imagery to paint a powerful picture of class divide