Sound- Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver:
Director: Martin Scorcese
Release Date: 8th February 1976
Writer: Paul Schrader
Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller

In the opening scene of Taxi Driver music is mainly used to establish Robert De Nero's character. The big drum rolls as the camera moves around gives the taxi a real sense of importance and dominance. This music also seems very "military" which relates to the characters military background. The music then switches to a very sultry Jazz sounding score which then reflects New York city and the "seedy" sort of atmosphere. This shows the contrast between the characters city life and his previous military life. I think how the music changes when looking at the character shows that perhaps he may have split personalities?
The low drum beat symbolizes a heart beat. While the character is walking along the streets of New York there is a sort of "snooping" music which again goes with the seedy atmosphere. it is also as if he is inspecting the streets which goes along with his monologue where he is saying how disgusted he is at everything he is seeing.
The opening credits are very similar to Psycho by Hitchcock. The intense music reaches out to the audience and demands their attention immediately.