Isis, the young, charismatic yet deeply troubled child prostitute portrayed by Jodie Foster in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, isn’t “from” a television show. Her presence represents a descent into the underbelly of 1970s New York City, a brutal reflection of societal breakdown and exploitation that Scorsese sought to expose, not a character borrowed from mainstream entertainment. The film uses her situation to comment on issues of child prostitution and the apathy of society towards the vulnerable.
Deconstructing Isis: Beyond a Simple Character
Taxi Driver is a complex and often disturbing exploration of isolation, mental instability, and the urban decay of post-Vietnam America. Isis’s character is integral to this exploration, serving as a potent symbol of the societal ills that drive Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) towards his violent climax. To understand her role, we must delve deeper into the film’s context and the themes it grapples with.
Isis’s Role as a Catalyst for Travis Bickle
Travis’s initial fascination with Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) represents a yearning for purity and connection. However, his inability to connect with her and his increasing exposure to the city’s underbelly, particularly Isis’s plight, fuel his descent into madness. He sees Isis as a victim to be rescued, projecting his own warped sense of heroism onto her situation. Her predicament becomes a symbol of everything he perceives as wrong with the city and, by extension, the world.
The Symbolic Weight of Child Prostitution
Scorsese doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of child prostitution. Isis’s character, though controversial, served to shock audiences and force them to confront the issue. It’s not presented as glamorous or romanticized; rather, it’s shown as a brutal exploitation of a vulnerable child. The film utilizes this to emphasize the moral corruption festering beneath the city’s surface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Isis in Taxi Driver
FAQ 1: Was Jodie Foster Actually a Prostitute Before Playing Isis?
Absolutely not. Jodie Foster was a highly talented child actor. Her portrayal of Isis was a performance based on the script and direction. She had a chaperone on set and the film took precautions to ensure her safety and well-being.
FAQ 2: What is Isis’s Backstory in Taxi Driver?
The film deliberately provides very little concrete backstory for Isis. This is intentional. The lack of information underscores her vulnerability and the anonymity she experiences as a victim of exploitation. We know she is 12 years old and involved in prostitution, seemingly under the control of Sport, her pimp. Further details are intentionally ambiguous.
FAQ 3: Why is the Character Named Isis?
The name “Isis” carries significant symbolic weight. In Egyptian mythology, Isis is a powerful goddess known for her nurturing and protective qualities. The ironic juxtaposition of this name with the child prostitute highlights the perversion and distortion of innocence in the film’s depiction of urban decay.
FAQ 4: Did Taxi Driver Contribute to Jodie Foster’s Later Stalker Situation?
Tragically, yes. John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was obsessed with Jodie Foster and cited Taxi Driver as a major influence on his actions. He reportedly believed that by assassinating the President, he could win her affection. This event cast a long shadow over both Foster’s career and the film’s legacy.
FAQ 5: Is Taxi Driver Exploitative in Its Depiction of Isis?
This is a complex and controversial question. Some critics argue that the film exploits Isis’s situation for shock value and that the depiction, even if intended to be critical, contributes to the problem it aims to expose. Others argue that the film’s unflinching portrayal serves as a necessary wake-up call, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. There is no easy answer, and interpretations vary widely.
FAQ 6: How Old Was Jodie Foster During Filming?
Jodie Foster was 12 years old during the filming of Taxi Driver.
FAQ 7: Who Played Sport, Isis’s Pimp?
Harvey Keitel played Sport, the pimp who controls Isis. His performance is chilling and effectively conveys the manipulative and exploitative nature of his character.
FAQ 8: Did Scorsese Consult with Experts on Child Prostitution Before Making Taxi Driver?
While specific documentation is scarce, it’s highly likely that Scorsese and screenwriter Paul Schrader conducted research on the subject. The film reflects a certain degree of realism in its portrayal of the industry, suggesting some level of consultation or investigation, even if informal.
FAQ 9: What Happens to Isis at the End of Taxi Driver?
At the end of the film, after Travis’s violent confrontation, Isis is reunited with her parents. However, the film leaves the future ambiguous. The audience is left to wonder whether she can truly recover from her experiences and whether her parents are equipped to provide her with the support she needs.
FAQ 10: Is Taxi Driver Considered a Cult Classic?
Yes, Taxi Driver is widely considered a cult classic and a landmark film in American cinema. Its gritty realism, iconic performances, and exploration of complex themes have resonated with audiences for decades.
FAQ 11: What is the Significance of Travis Bickle’s Violence in Relation to Isis?
Travis’s violence is driven by a distorted sense of righteousness and a desire to “clean up” the city. He sees Isis as a symbol of the corruption he wants to eradicate. However, his actions are ultimately misguided and contribute to the cycle of violence. His motivations are deeply flawed, highlighting the dangers of self-appointed saviors.
FAQ 12: Are There Modern Films That Explore Similar Themes to Taxi Driver?
Yes, numerous films have explored similar themes of urban decay, social alienation, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Some examples include Kids (1995), Requiem for a Dream (2000), and The Wrestler (2008). These films often depict the darker aspects of society and challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable realities.