Martin Scorsese and Lars Von Trier in talks to do a Taxi Driver sequel?
May 20th 2010 07:58
This is exciting news. In interviews through out the years Robert DeNiro has mentioned that he has always thought about what it would be like to revisit the character of Travis Bickle 30 years later and see what had become of him.
Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro had been planning a sequel to the critically-acclaimed Taxi Driver, the 1976 movie that made De Niro an icon, according to industry gossip at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Scorsese 67, is in Berlin to promote his new psychothriller, Shutter Island, a thriller based on the bestselling book by Dennis Lehane.
The reports appear to originate from a Danish film magazine, Ekko which reported that Martin Scorsese is in talks with Lars Von Trier about a follow-up to the classic 1976. It’s unclear what the exact details are but Von Trier and Scorsese were both at the film festival allegedly talking about collaborating on the film.
Meanwhile, Taxi Driver screenwriter Paul Schrader has provided some insight into the rumoured sequel’s plot, revealing Scorsese has been considering a follow-up film for years.
Schrader told the New York Post, “I was talking with Martin Scorsese about doing a sequel to Taxi Driver, where (Travis Bickle) is older.”
Von Trier’s partner at the Zentropa film production company, Peter Aalbek, would “neither confirm nor deny” the news, but did say an official announcement would be forthcoming. It’s entirely possible that von Trier and Scorsese could be co-directing the new film together, or that these are two different projects in the works. But hopefully, the aforementioned conversation between von Trier and Scorsese means the latter will be involved in the Taxi Driver sequel in some way (perhaps in an advisory capacity?).
This rumor for me is about the most exciting thing since sliced bread. My imagination tuns wild as what the possibilities could be for thee two giants of cinema co-directing, if that is the case, plus it could be return to form for DeNiro who hasn't been himself since Meet The Parents. My only question now is, will Scorsese and DeNiro live long enough to see this project through, they already so much on, especially Scorsese.
Exciting stuff!
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
For me this sounds like a terrible idea. Most of the films complexities have been revisited in other works. The character of Travis is so iconic he has inspired several alternate perspectives in film.
The biggest problem though is just with having Bickle return. What are they going to have us believe, because the sequel wont be anything if he isn't a ticking time bomb like Clint in Gran Torino.
Perhaps he has slowly simmered for 30 years and is ready to explode. Or is it that he settled in the country and some bad men do something bad to someone he is stalking and he must have revenge and save them? Maybe he went to prison after he did something else that was not socially accepted vigilantism, now he is released and ready to crack...or do we just see a man who has retired from life, returns to the big city but is now more docile...
Just don't know what could fill in the blanks without ruining the power of the original finale and where our imagination takes us.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
What are the films you think of when say this?
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Shaun
Any film that deals with vigilante justice and the media from A History of Violence and American Psycho to Boondock Saints and everything in between for the deeper meaning and purpose of Taxi Driver and his identity crisis.
As for Travis where do you start Falling Down, to any number of films dealing with ticking time bombs that rebel violently or radically against a decaying urban backdrop....to many to list on both counts, Taxi Drivers legacy is strong....I still think The Swimmer with Burt Lancaster is the best Travis, even though he came before.
I would be very open to exploring the concepts in an alternate universe with different characters, just not Travis...it would tarnish his memory
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Just to bring a bit of positivity, the idea of Lars being involved does entice. He could bring the right amount of crazy heavy to make it worthwhile...though the film would not be art house but a blockbuster with the franchise and names attached, regardless of budget.