Robert De Niro's Uber Ad Revives Taxi Driver Controversy: A Cinematic Clash

Summary

Paul Schrader expresses dismay over the rumors of Robert De Niro reprising his role as Travis Bickle in Uber U.K. commercials.

De Niro's appearance in Uber U.K. commercials has debunked the rumor, but not as Bickle. The movie Taxi Driver marked a pivotal moment in both De Niro and Jodie Foster's careers, and it is important to preserve its legacy without any potential return of De Niro as Bickle.

Taxi Driver screenwriter Paul Schrader expressed his disappointment over rumors that Robert De Niro, the star of the 1976 Martin Scorsese drama, would be featured as the main character in upcoming Uber U.K. commercials. Schrader, the 77-year-old writing legend, condemned the idea and took to his Facebook page to share his dismay. He refuted claims that De Niro would reprise his role as Travis Bickle and recite his iconic ad-libbed line from Taxi Driver.

The reason behind Bob's actions is beyond my understanding. However, I have not witnessed it. Hopefully, I never will.

Nevertheless, according to The Hollywood Reporter, a representative for De Niro has denied any such reprisal in response to the statements made by Schrader and others. Although De Niro will feature in advertisements for Uber U.K., he will not be portraying Bickle.

Taxi Driver's Influence Over The Past 50 Years

The gritty drama of Taxi Driver and the character Travis Bickle continue to captivate and inspire audiences even after almost fifty years since the film's release in 1976. This enduring appeal can largely be attributed to the intricate story crafted by Schrader, filled with mysteries and unexpected twists. Bickle's character, in particular, defies easy categorization, leaving viewers pondering the decisions made throughout his journey. The enigmatic ending of Taxi Driver left such a lasting impression that Schrader himself felt compelled to provide insights years later.

Moreover, Taxi Driver served as a breakthrough for De Niro, who, despite already winning an Academy Award the previous year, was still relatively new to the film industry. His portrayal of Bickle marked the beginning of his remarkable career as an unconventional yet compelling leading man. Likewise, Jodie Foster, only fourteen years old at the time, found her career soar in the wake of the film's success. Additionally, Scorsese further cemented his status as a renowned filmmaker through his exceptional direction of Taxi Driver.

Taxi Driver has served as a great source of inspiration for numerous films, ranging from Jackie Brown to The Batman. Recognizing both the writer's and audience's inclination to preserve the film's influential status, it is evident that there is a desire to refrain from tarnishing its profound impact by reintroducing De Niro as Bickle.