Martin Scorsese, the future director of Taxi Driver, is born.
Paul Schrader writes the initial draft of the Taxi Driver screenplay.
Robert De Niro is cast as Travis Bickle, the lead character in Taxi Driver.
Principal photography for Taxi Driver takes place in New York City.
Taxi Driver premieres at the Cannes Film Festival and wins the Palme d'Or.
Taxi Driver is released widely in cinemas across the United States.
Taxi Driver receives widespread critical acclaim and establishes itself as a classic.
Travis Bickle, a lonely and mentally unstable veteran, returns to New York City after serving in the Vietnam War.
To cope with his insomnia and isolation, Travis begins working night shifts as a taxi driver in New York City.
Travis becomes infatuated with Betsy, a campaign volunteer for a presidential candidate, and attempts to pursue a relationship with her.
After taking Betsy to a pornographic movie on a date, Betsy is turned off and rejects Travis, causing him emotional distress.
Travis becomes concerned about Iris, a young prostitute under the control of a pimp, and resolves to save her from her situation.
Increasingly unstable, Travis starts physically training, buying guns, and planning violent interventions.
Travis plans and attempts to assassinate a presidential candidate but fails and is thwarted by Secret Service agents.
Travis storms the pimp's place and violently rescues Iris, shooting several people in the process.
Travis is badly wounded in the shootout but survives and is hailed as a hero in the media.
Following his recovery, Travis returns to his job as a taxi driver, suggesting a return to normalcy or continuing isolation.
