The director’s intent to portray Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) as an “avenging angel” crusading around New York was also intended to represent other cities. Inspired by the degradation of the night-time in the city, Travis took matters into his own hands. Some failed attempts to help some individuals, influenced him psychologically. Furthermore, he was determined to change one person’s life.
Even when he was dealing with his own problems, he managed to have sympathy for others and left room for improvements.