You know that Taxi Driver remake story that so flummoxed Renn this morning? Well, unbunch your panties, friends, as this is actually news that could be awesome. I knew there was something more to the story than what was coming to light, and after taking a look at the original website where the story broke, I realized what that was.
If you look at the text of the original article, you’ll catch references to Lars von Trier’s 2003 film, The Five Obstructions. I recommend running out and renting that right now, since this Taxi Driver remake is actually looking like a sequel to that film. In The Five Obstructions von Trier delivers a challenge to his friend Jorgan Leth: remake Leth’s film The Perfect Human, von Trier’s avowed favorite film, five times. Each time there will be a different obstruction – so the first remake Leth does must be shot in Cuba, and no shot can be longer than 12 frames. The obstructions continue from there until the really great fifth and final obstruction. The Five Obstructions is one part documentary, one part experimental film, and once you realize that this is what von Trier is up to the Taxi Driver ‘remake’ seems brilliant.
Imagine Scorsese being tasked by von Trier to remake Taxi Driver five times, each time with a different obstacle? I’d love to see if von Trier has the balls to pull something Fifth Obstacle level on Scorsese (and I do think he does). This could be a truly amazing examination of filmmaking, of Scorsese’s process, of the meaning of Taxi Driver and of a wacky European giving Martin Scorsese a whole lot of shit.
So climb off the ledges and don’t be too worried. This sounds like a truly exciting project that will likely be an arthouse phenomenon and won’t sully the original classic.
12 comments
I get it and all, I really do. It just seems to me that this will fly with like probably 245 people across the country. I consider Scorsese a national treasure, truly one of the reasons I branded myself a writer and filmmaker…BUT…personally if he wants to do anything with Travis I think it should be a plain old sequel. I think it could actually work as I feel that he is one of the few classic Anti-Heroes who could be revisited some 40 odd years later and still be worth it.
I'm curious about (von) Trier running amuck in New York – On the other hand, I'm not sure what DeNiro would do with the role this far down the line…That being said, I'm curious as hell abour this and, frankly, I think Amercian audiences need more (von) Trier!
I love me some von Trier and some Scorsese, but I think they're two great tastes that should taste great separately, like french fries and ice cream. If this actually did happen, I don't think I'd be too excited about it. Call me an old stick in the mud.
But this is still a rumor right?
No…just no.
The opinions of anyone who doesn't want to see this don't matter to me, I hope it happens.
Interesting. Kind of sounds like Dogme 95 on a smaller scale.
DeNiro is such a former shell of himself I have absolutely no faith that he'll do it. Unless the production company where this lands offers him a lot of dollah dollah bills y'all…
I am so fucking down with this. Henry Krinkle for life.
Well Devin, if you had actually done some more research, you would know that Von Trier has come out saying this is all false and he is not going to do anything with Taxi Driver.
But please don't let me stop you from singing a chorus of "Oh Don Piano" I just figured since you love to call out the rest of the internet on continuing bullshit rumors, it was time you got called out.
"Imagine Scorsese being tasked by von Trier to remake Taxi Driver five times, each time with a different obstacle?" Does anyone seriously think there will ever be a sequel to taxi driver? Let alone 5 films, WTF, what a stupid non story. Why would scorsese get bogged down making 5 films that no one would watch when he has dicaprio waiting for him to say jump.
"Does anyone seriously think there will ever be a sequel to taxi driver? Let alone 5 films, WTF, what a stupid non story. Why would scorsese get bogged down making 5 films that no one would watch when he has dicaprio waiting for him to say jump."
Except, it wouldn't be a remake.
Why don't you stop being a moron for a second and read the fucking article.
Christ.
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