TAXI DRIVER (1976)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cinematographer: Michael Chapman, ASC

Taxi Driver - Travis Bickle

Taxi Driver - Taxi Interior

TECHNICAL SPECS

Camera: ARRIFLEX 35 BL
Format: 35mm, 1.85:1
Lenses: Zeiss Super Speed lenses
Film Stock: Kodak 5254
Key Innovation: Documentary-influenced urban realism

CHAPMAN'S APPROACH

Philosophy: "The camera should feel like another character"
Signature: Gritty urban realism with subjective camera
Innovation: Combining documentary techniques with expressionism
Style: Handheld camera with available light

LIGHTING SETUP

Street Scenes: Available light with minimal enhancement
Taxi Interior: Practical dashboard lights with street ambience
Travis's Apartment: Low-key lighting with practical sources
Final Sequence: Expressionistic red lighting

VISUAL STRATEGY

Subjective camera movement reflecting Travis's mental state
Neon-lit urban landscape as character
Contrast between isolation and crowded streets
Color progression toward red in climactic scenes

RECREATION NOTES

Use available light whenever possible
Incorporate city lights as practical sources
Employ handheld camera for subjective perspective
Create contrast between isolation and crowded environments
Use colored gels (especially red) for psychological effect