On Wed, 10 Apr 1996, Bob Arnett wrote:
 
> I'm showing TAXI DRIVER to my Intro to Cinema class.  I'd like to offer them
> some astute opinion that differ from my own.  My question to everyone, then,
> is -- TAXI DRIVER, crap or classic?
>
 
Well, you know how to open up a can of worms.
 
When I was in college, it was one of the films we screened in my Intro
class.  I think I was the only one in the class that realized that the
film was considered "obscene" under a local law that was passed at the
time that banned, among other things, depictions of underage prostitutes.
 
Personally, I find it a classic -- dark and deeply disturbing, but
essential when looking at American film.  A historical perspective,
taking into account the volatile times in which it was created and the
still-recent assasinations and near assasinations of public figures that
were occuring at the time, helps with understanding the film.
 
Because it can draw so many opinions, it's a good exercise for an Intro
class to get them thinking -- it certainly did that for the class I was in.
 
Randy
 
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