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 ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]