Music plays a vital role in the storytelling. I movies, music is used to enhance the storyline development as well as creating a smooth understanding of the scope of the movie to the viewer. Depending on the purpose that the film director wants to portray to the audience, it dictates the type of music to play. For example, when portraying the theme of love, it is certain that “love” as a genre of music will be played. Similarly, when the director’s purpose is to portray a theme of loneliness, the type of music chosen will bear the kind of message of loneliness so as to create a platform for a better understanding to the audience. In this case, the movie entitled “Taxi Driver” incorporates different scenes conveyed through musical soundtracks throughout the movie.
One specific scene dominated by music is the “Late For The Sky” scene where the song “Late For The Sky” is played. In this scene, Travis is seen seated while holding a gun in his right hand. When the music starts to air, Travis points the gun to the small television that shows several couples are dancing to the rhythm of the song. However, Travis holds back the trigger as he watches carefully to what is happening on the television. The scene goes on with the song playing as Travis directs the gun point at the back of his head as he listens. Evidently, it is the song’s lyrics that catch Travis’ attention. The strong message from the lyrics, such as, “..and I know I’m alone and close to the end..” “..how long have I been drifting alone through the night..” makes Travis reflect on his life as a lonely man (Browne 1).
The maestro of the song is Jackson Browne. The musical instrument used in the composition includes the use of a saxophone as well as a drumbeat. Apart from this scene, these instruments have been used to create the soundtrack and musical theme of the movie. The sound of a saxophone is known to create a deep and sleazy sound that makes a harmonious surrounding. When used together with a drumbeat – especially in the way the song is composed – it creates a nice rhythm that allows the audience to recall the memories their life experiences. In the scene, Jackson Browne’s song is played as a way of facilitating Travis’s character and life as a lonely taxi driver in the city.
The extent of holding a gun shows that Travis may be frustrated by the fact that he is a racist, socially incapable and mentally unstable individual and wants to shoot the TV so that he does not hear the song having lyrics that touches his life. However, the rhythm of the song makes him think otherwise and opt not to shoot but sit back and watch. This tells us that the song’s smooth rhythm is vital in influencing people’s decision. In a recreational point of view, rhythm and music in general not only makes one reflect on their experiences, but also influence their decision in the future. To the character –Travis – the rhythm allows him to be composed and think about his life. To the audience, rhythm is a source of entertainment as well as providing a synopsis to understanding the major themes portrayed in the movie.
Works Cited
Browne, Jackson. "Jackson Browne -Late for the Sky- with Lyrics." YouTube. N.p., 1974. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.
