The characters in the following movies have reached the brink.

The alienation and injustices they feel have manifested into viscous hate and rage. Neither movie holds back, and both allow it’s viewers to feel the discomfort of hearing their sordid thoughts and cringe at their brutal actions.

Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is Martin Scorsese’s first true masterpiece. The adaptation from Paul Schrader’s script to screen is truly a work of art. Scorsese, usually known for his tasteful use of prerecorded songs in soundtracks, relied on Bernard Herrmann to help set the mood.

Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, who announces that “someday a real rain will come and wash all of this scum off the streets.” I believe this is a double entendre, where rain actually means reign, and reign he does. One man’s alienation has probably never been so skillfully portrayed, as Robert De Niro has with his character, Travis Bickle.

Edmond

Stuart Gordon directed Edmond, which was recently released on DVD. The edgy script was adapted by David Mamet from the play he had written. William H. Macy plays Edmond Burke, who has a sudden need to end his marriage and change the course of his life. Macy is a fine actor in his own right, and gives a great performance. The story mostly takes place during the same night of his abrupt epiphany. It becomes a ritual of justice and a reconnection to the feeling of being alive.

Music credits are shared by Bobby Johnston and Rich Ragsdale.

Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.