Joker 2019 vs. Taxi Driver 1976

Attribute	Joker 2019	Taxi Driver 1976
Director	Todd Phillips	Martin Scorsese
Main Character	Arthur Fleck (Joker)	Travis Bickle
Setting	Gotham City	New York City
Genre	Crime, Drama, Thriller	Crime, Drama
Awards	Won 2 Oscars	Nominated for 4 Oscars

Plot

Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, follows the story of Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who descends into madness and becomes the iconic Batman villain, Joker. The film explores themes of mental illness, societal neglect, and the consequences of a broken system. On the other hand, Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. Travis becomes increasingly disillusioned with the city's corruption and decides to take matters into his own hands.

Character Development

In Joker, the audience witnesses Arthur Fleck's transformation from a vulnerable and sympathetic character into the ruthless and unpredictable Joker. The film delves deep into Arthur's psyche, showing the audience the events that lead to his descent into madness. On the other hand, Taxi Driver focuses on Travis Bickle's gradual unraveling as he becomes more and more detached from reality. Both films showcase the protagonists' struggles with their inner demons and the external forces that push them over the edge.

Setting

Joker is set in a gritty and realistic version of Gotham City, which serves as a reflection of the decaying society that Arthur Fleck inhabits. The city is portrayed as a bleak and unforgiving place, mirroring Arthur's own internal struggles. In contrast, Taxi Driver is set in the bustling and chaotic streets of 1970s New York City. The city serves as a character in itself, with its neon lights and seedy underbelly adding to the atmosphere of the film.

Themes

Both Joker and Taxi Driver explore themes of alienation, violence, and the impact of societal decay on individuals. Joker delves into the consequences of neglecting mental health and the dangers of idolizing violent figures. Taxi Driver, on the other hand, examines the effects of loneliness and isolation on a person's psyche, as well as the allure of vigilantism in a corrupt world.

Visual Style

Joker is known for its striking cinematography and use of color to convey Arthur Fleck's emotional state. The film's dark and moody visuals create a sense of unease and tension throughout. In contrast, Taxi Driver utilizes gritty and realistic visuals to immerse the audience in Travis Bickle's world. The film's use of long takes and tracking shots adds to the sense of voyeurism and detachment that Travis experiences.

Soundtrack

Joker features a haunting and atmospheric score by composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, which adds to the film's sense of dread and impending doom. The music serves to heighten the emotional impact of key scenes and underscores Arthur Fleck's descent into madness. Taxi Driver, on the other hand, is known for its iconic score by Bernard Herrmann, which captures the gritty and urban feel of 1970s New York City. The music adds to the film's sense of tension and unease, mirroring Travis Bickle's own inner turmoil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Joker and Taxi Driver are both powerful and thought-provoking films that explore the darker aspects of human nature. While they differ in their settings and visual styles, both films share a common theme of alienation and the impact of societal decay on individuals. Joker focuses on the transformation of Arthur Fleck into the Joker, while Taxi Driver follows Travis Bickle's descent into madness. Both films are a testament to the talent of their respective directors and the enduring appeal of stories that delve into the complexities of the human psyche.