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beltmann

From IMdB:

"Screen legend Robert De Niro has reunited with iconic director Martin Scorsese to work on a sequel to their classic movie Taxi Driver. The Oscar-winning actor, who starred as disturbed Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle in the 1976 film, has confirmed the movie veterans are mulling over script ideas for a follow-up to the gritty original. Apart from his comedy turn in Meet The Parents and its recent sequel Meet The Fockers, De Niro has starred in a series of flop films - and critics are hoping Travis Bickle's resurrection will restore his reputation as one of the greatest dramatic actors of all time. De Niro, 61, says, "I was talking with Martin Scorsese about doing what I guess you'd call a sequel to Taxi Driver, where he is older."

Holy schniekies. I don't know whether this is a good idea, but I know Taxi Driver seems even more relevant now than in 1976. I'd love to see Travis Bickle reacting to contemporary America and its current slate of neo-conservative agendas. Have the movies ever given us a more potent symbol of how reactionary politics can poison a nation's soul from within?

Eric
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"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

Danny Baldwin

beltmann · Posted: 01.21.2005 1:10 am Post subject:

While sequels are often craven attempts to coast on previous success, there are times when sequels are legitimate extensions of an artistic vision. Perhaps it's easy to assume that Scorsese and De Niro are merely cashing in, but considering Scorsese's longstanding integrity as a filmmaker, I think it's easier to assume that they have unfinished business with Travis Bickle--think of it not as a sequel but as a completion. Depending upon the approach, revisiting Bickle could yield plenty of "fresh" ideas about the character and the nation we live in.

It's possible for artists to return to familiar ground and still have something to say... consider The Godfather Part II, Before Sunset, and of course Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze.

Eric
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"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

Monkeypox · Posted: 01.21.2005 2:16 am Post subject:

What about Schrader??
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Rattlesnake's Texas Cobra, you sonofabitch!

beltmann · Posted: 01.21.2005 2:41 am Post subject:

I was wondering--hoping--the same.
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"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

the night watchman · Posted: 01.24.2005 11:05 pm Post subject:

Frankly, I'm hoping for a prequel trilogy.

Episode 1/3 - The Phantom Aroma

Episode 2/3 - Attack of the Runs

Episode 0 - Revenge of the Chili Cheeseburger
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"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

-David Cronenberg

the night watchman · Posted: 01.27.2005 4:50 am Post subject:

Hello? Is this thing on? I know you're out there, I can hear you breathing.

Okay, how about Drivin' 2: Electric Bickle-oo.
_________________
"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

-David Cronenberg

juhsstin · Camera Operator Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 87

that new horror flick "hide n seek" or whatever its called looks like a new low for de niro... Confused

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Who let the dogs out?

Danny Baldwin · Posted: 01.27.2005 5:44 pm Post subject:

the night watchman · Posted: 01.27.2005 6:31 pm Post subject:

Taxi Driver 2: Taxi Driverer
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"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

-David Cronenberg

matt header · Posted: 01.27.2005 7:01 pm Post subject:

Okay, I chuckled at that one. Smile

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"I don't like talking to people I know, but strangers I have no problem with." -- Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

juhsstin · Camera Operator Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 87

Taxi Driver: Reloaded

(get it? his gun ran out of bullets at the end? har har!)
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Who let the dogs out?

the night watchman · Posted: 01.27.2005 8:20 pm Post subject:

Chain Smoker · Grip Joined: 25 Jan 2005 Posts: 15

I actually consider Showtime to be DeNiro's worst.

juhsstin · Camera Operator Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 87

with de niro as a cop, i don't think you can really go THAT wrong. and seeing him alongside eddie murphy was pretty cool, i guess. if not just for the novelty of it.

how's this? Taxi Driver 2: the Chronicles of Bickle Laughing

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Who let the dogs out?