Taxi Driver

“In the city that never sleeps, one man’s journey to cleanse the filth will leave you questioning sanity.”

Watch the original version of Taxi Driver

★★★★★
★★★★★

Chapter 1: The Angel

Travis pulled up to the curb outside the Palantine campaign office, his hand shaking slightly as he turned off the ignition. He had been circling the block for the past hour, building up the courage to come inside and talk to Betsy. He still couldn’t believe how badly their date had gone. He thought taking her to a movie would be a safe choice, but he hadn’t realized it was a porno theater. He thought about the way she had looked at him when she left the cab, her expression a mixture of disgust and disappointment.

He took a deep breath and got out of the car, adjusting his jacket and running a hand through his hair. He was determined to make things right with Betsy. He walked through the glass doors of the office, his heart pounding in his chest.

Inside, the office was buzzing with activity. Volunteers were stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, and discussing strategy. Travis tried to stay calm as he approached the front desk.

“Excuse me,” he said. “I’m looking for Betsy.”

The receptionist looked up from her computer. “Betsy? Betsy Ross?”

“Yes,” Travis said.

“She’s in a meeting right now,” the receptionist said. “Can I take a message?”

Travis hesitated, unsure of what to say. He wondered if he should just leave, come back another time. But he knew that if he didn’t make his move now, he might never get another chance.

“Actually,” he said, “I think I’ll wait.”

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, but didn’t protest. Travis took a seat in one of the plastic chairs in the waiting area, feeling more and more nervous with each passing minute.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Betsy, about the way she had looked in her white dress on their date. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and he knew that he had to do everything in his power to win her back.

As he waited, he watched the volunteers going about their work, marveling at their sense of purpose and passion. He felt a twinge of envy, wishing that he could find something to believe in as strongly as they did.

After what felt like hours, the door to the meeting room finally opened. Travis leapt to his feet, his heart racing.

Betsy emerged from the room, a stack of papers in her hand. She looked up and spotted Travis, her expression one of surprise and confusion.

“Travis?” she said. “What are you doing here?”

“I, um,” Travis stammered, suddenly unsure of himself. “I wanted to talk to you. To apologize.”

Betsy hesitated, then nodded. “Okay,” she said. “Let’s go somewhere where we can talk.”

They left the campaign office and walked down the street to a nearby coffee shop. Travis watched Betsy’s every move, feeling more and more like a bumbling fool with each passing moment.

When they reached the coffee shop, Betsy ordered a latte and Travis got a black coffee. They sat down at a small table, facing each other.

“I’m sorry about our date,” Travis said, finally finding his voice. “I had no idea that the movie was like that.”

Betsy looked at him, her expression softening slightly. “It’s okay,” she said. “I just wasn’t expecting it. But it’s not really about the movie.”

Travis nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. “I know. I just wanted to make it up to you.”

Betsy took a sip of her latte, considering for a moment. “Okay,” she said finally. “How about we start fresh? Why don’t you come to a rally with me tonight? It’ll give you a chance to see what we’re all about.”

Travis felt a glimmer of hope. “Really?” he said.

Betsy nodded. “Really. But you have to promise me something.”

“Anything,” Travis said.

“You have to be open-minded,” she said. “This isn’t just about me or the campaign. It’s about something bigger, something that can make a real difference in the world.”

Travis nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He was ready to be open-minded, to find something to believe in. And if it meant he could win Betsy back, it was a risk he was willing to take.

Chapter 2: The Filth

As I drove my taxi through the city, I couldn’t help but notice the filth of the streets. The smell of garbage and urine mixed together, creating a nauseating stench that clung to my clothes and hair. Even the rain couldn’t wash away the grime.

I had always known that the city was dirty, but I didn’t realize the extent of it until I started working nights. The darkness seemed to bring out the worst in people, and the streets were filled with drug dealers, prostitutes, and pimps.

I tried to keep my head down and stay out of trouble, but it wasn’t always easy. Some nights, I would see things that made my blood boil. I witnessed a pimp beating one of his girls on the street, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I pulled over and confronted him, but he just laughed in my face and told me to mind my own business.

That’s when I started to plan my own kind of justice. I couldn’t stand the thought of these scumbags getting away with their crimes, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I started buying weapons from a gun dealer I met at a diner on my route. The man was shady, but he had access to all kinds of firearms. I spent most of my savings on guns, ammo, and body armor.

At night, I would practice my marksmanship in a secluded area outside the city. I needed to be ready for anything.

I spent hours poring over maps of the city, identifying the areas with the highest crime rates. I knew where the drug dealers hung out, where the prostitutes worked, and where the pimps ran their operations. I made a list of all the people I wanted to target and started planning my attacks.

It wasn’t until I pulled the trigger for the first time that I realized how much power I held in my hands. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. But I knew that I couldn’t stop. The city was my battleground, and I was determined to make a difference.

As I drove past the neon-lit clubs and seedy motels, I felt a sense of purpose. I was no longer just a taxi driver. I was a vigilante, fighting to clean up the streets of this filthy city.

Chapter 3: The Date

Travis had been planning the perfect date with Betsy for weeks. He wanted to show her a side of New York City that she had never seen before and impress her with his sophistication. He had spared no expense and even bought a new suit for the occasion.

Travis took Betsy to a small Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy. The decor was old-fashioned, with checkered tablecloths and red candles on each table. Travis had reserved a private booth in the back of the restaurant, which was adorned with a red velvet curtain for privacy.

Betsy was impressed by the ambiance of the restaurant and the effort Travis had put into the date. They ordered a bottle of red wine and perused the menu. Travis insisted on paying for everything and refused to let Betsy contribute.

As they ate their meal, Travis nervously tried to make small talk with Betsy. He asked her about her work at the political campaign office and her hobbies. Betsy seemed polite but distant, which made Travis feel even more on edge.

After dinner, Travis suggested they go see a movie. He had picked out a film that he knew Betsy would enjoy, but he didn’t realize that it was a pornographic movie. When they arrived at the theater, Betsy was shocked and appalled.

“What kind of sick place is this?” Betsy exclaimed. “I’m not watching this trash!”

Travis was taken aback by Betsy’s reaction. He thought that he was showing her a unique experience and didn’t realize that she would find it offensive.

“I’m sorry, Betsy. I thought you would like it,” Travis said apologetically.

Betsy was too upset to listen to Travis’s excuses. She hailed a taxi and left him standing in front of the theater alone.

Travis was heartbroken by Betsy’s rejection. He felt like he had tried his best to impress her, but he couldn’t understand why she didn’t appreciate his efforts. He spent the rest of the night driving aimlessly around the city, feeling more isolated than ever before.

The next day, Travis decided to try to make things right with Betsy. He showed up at her campaign office with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt apology. But she wouldn’t even speak to him. Her colleagues told him to leave and not come back.

Travis was devastated. He couldn’t understand why Betsy had rejected him, and he didn’t know how to move on. He knew that he had to find a way to regain control of his life and his emotions, but he didn’t know how.

Chapter 4: The Hit

Travis sat in his apartment, surrounded by his arsenal of weapons. He had been planning for weeks, meticulously formulating a plan for his vigilante justice. He had his hit list, and he was ready to take down those he believed were responsible for the city’s moral decay.

He loaded his guns, He made sure each one was in perfect working condition before placing them in their respective holsters. He had a .38 revolver secured to his ankle, a 9mm pistol in his waistband, and a .44 Magnum tucked away in his jacket. He even had a homemade, silencer-modified shotgun in his bag.

Travis put on his taxi driver uniform and made his way to his car. He drove through the city streets, his eyes scanning the buildings for any signs of his targets. He didn’t care about the consequences or the danger; he was a man on a mission.

He spotted a drug dealer on the corner of 42nd street and slowly drove up next to him. He pulled out his revolver and fired two shots, the dealer slumping to the ground. Travis calmly drove away, his heart pounding with excitement.

Next on his list was a corrupt politician who had been taking bribes from the mafia. Travis drove to the politician’s mansion, his car slowly creeping up the driveway. He parked and got out, pulling his shotgun from the bag. He kicked in the door, and with one swift motion, fired a shot at the politician’s head. The man fell to the ground, dead.

Travis repeated this process several times throughout the night, taking out the people he believed were contributing to the decay of the city. He was like a machine, methodical and precise in his killings.

But as the night went on, Travis started to feel a sense of guilt and remorse. He couldn’t shake the feeling that what he was doing was wrong, that he was no better than the people he was killing. His mind began to unravel as he struggled with his conflicting emotions.

He finally arrived at his last target, Sport, the pimp who had been exploiting young girls like Iris. Travis confronted Sport in his apartment, a tense standoff ensuing. Sport taunted Travis, mocking him for his actions.

Finally, Travis snapped. He fired his gun at Sport, but missed; instead, a bullet struck a mirror, shattering the glass and reflecting the shattered image of himself. He realized the futility of his actions, that his violent mission had only led to more violence.

Travis collapsed in a heap on the ground, his mind tormented by the horrors he had inflicted upon the city. The police arrived and arrested him, and Travis was taken away to pay for his crimes. But even as he sat in his cell, he couldn’t help but wonder if his actions had made any difference, if he had truly accomplished anything by his vigilante justice.

Chapter 5: The Plan

Travis sat in his apartment, the walls covered in newspaper clippings and his hit list hung on the wall. He had spent weeks planning, gathering intel, and acquiring weapons. Now it was time to put his plan into action.

He picked up his notepad and pen and began writing down the details of his plan. He needed to be careful, precise, and efficient. He couldn’t afford any mistakes.

First on the list was Sport, the pimp who controlled Iris and countless other young girls. Travis knew where Sport operated, a rundown building on the outskirts of the city. He planned to take him out first, sending a message to the other scum on his hit list.

Next was the corrupt politician who was in cahoots with Sport. Travis had seen him at the campaign office where Betsy worked. He would take him out next, making it appear as though Sport had turned on him.

Travis continued to write, detailing each step of his plan. His mind was focused, his hands steady. He knew what he had to do, and he was determined to see it through.

As he sat there, contemplating his plan, he heard a knock at the door. He tensed up, wondering who it could be. He cautiously approached the door and looked through the peephole.

It was Iris.

Travis hesitated, unsure of what to do. He had never expected to see her again after their encounter in the taxi. But here she was, standing on his doorstep.

He opened the door, and Iris rushed in, tears streaming down her face. She told him that Sport had found out that she had talked to a “crazy” taxi driver and was planning on punishing her.

Travis felt anger rising inside him. He couldn’t let Sport get away with this.

He told Iris about his plan, about how he was going to take out Sport and the others. He asked her if she wanted to help him.

Iris nodded, grateful for the chance to take revenge on the man who had ruined her life.

Travis smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He had found an ally, a partner in his mission to cleanse the city of its filth.

Together, they sat down and continued to plan. Travis knew that things were about to get dangerous, but he was ready. He was determined to see his plan through, no matter what the cost.

Chapter 6: The Encounter

Travis couldn’t believe his luck when he picked up Iris that night. She was a young girl, no more than 14 years old, but already had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her eyes were dull, and she refused to make eye contact with him throughout the ride.

Travis could tell that she was in trouble, and he knew that he had to help her. He tried to engage her in small talk, but she was cagey and unresponsive. Finally, he asked her where she was going.

“I ain’t got nowhere to go,” she said, her voice flat and emotionless.

Travis had a soft spot for Iris. He had seen too many people like her in his line of work – young, vulnerable, and powerless to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty and crime.

“You don’t have to go anywhere,” he said gently. “Just stay with me for a while. I’ll keep you safe.”

Iris looked at him for the first time, her eyes widening in surprise. “You’d do that for me?” she asked, her voice full of disbelief.

Travis nodded. “I will,” he said. “I promise.”

Iris stayed with him that night, and Travis tried to make her as comfortable as possible. He gave her some of his clothes to wear, cooked her a meal, and let her sleep in his bed while he took the couch.

In the morning, he took her to a diner for breakfast. He watched as she ate, marveling at how small and fragile she looked. He knew that he had to protect her at all costs.

But Travis’s attempts to help Iris put him in danger. Sport, the pimp who controlled her, became furious when he realized that she had left him. He sent his goons after her, and they tracked her down to Travis’s apartment.

Travis was ready for them. He had stocked up on weapons at an army surplus store, and he was determined to fight to the death to keep Iris safe. In the ensuing showdown, Travis killed both of Sport’s goons and wounded Sport himself.

Iris was safe, but Travis knew that he had made a powerful enemy. He also knew that his actions would have consequences. He had crossed a line, and he could never go back. But he was okay with that. He had found a purpose, a reason to exist in the world. And he was ready to face whatever came his way.

Chapter 7: The Rampage

Travis felt his pulse quicken as he loaded his weapons. He had been planning this moment for weeks, meticulously creating a hit list of the people he believed to be contributing to the city’s moral decay. He had purchased an arsenal of weapons from his gun dealer, including a .44 Magnum, an M1 carbine, and a sawed-off shotgun.

He slid the weapons into his cab’s trunk and waited for the sun to set. When the sky turned dark, he drove to the first location on his hit list: a drug den in the seedy part of town. He parked his cab down the street and approached the building, his heart pounding.

Travis kicked in the door and started firing. He saw the fear in the drug dealers’ eyes as they scrambled to escape. He chased them down and finished them off, one by one, until the room was silent.

He moved on to the next location: a brothel downtown. He kicked in the door and started firing again, this time taking out the pimps and johns. He saw a young girl huddled in a corner and recognized her as Iris, the teenage prostitute he had picked up in his cab a few nights ago.

He approached her slowly, gun pointed towards the ground. “Come on, I’ll take you home,” he said softly.

Iris nodded, and they left the brothel together. Travis drove her to a nearby diner and ordered her some food. As she ate, he explained his plan to her: to kill all of the people on his hit list and clean up the city.

Iris listened to him intently, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. She knew Travis was unstable, but she also knew he was the only person who had ever shown her any kindness.

As they finished their meal, the sound of police sirens pierced the air. Travis grabbed Iris’s hand and led her out the back door. They ran through the alleyways, Travis’s heart racing as he heard the sirens getting closer.

Finally, they made it back to Travis’s cab. He started the engine and peeled out of the alley, tires screeching. He could see the police following him, their lights flashing.

Travis drove recklessly through the streets, dodging pedestrians and other cars. He knew he had to make it back to his apartment building, where he had stashed his weapons and had planned to make his final stand.

Finally, he pulled into the parking lot of his building and raced up the stairs to his apartment. He unlocked the door and ran inside, grabbing his weapons and barricading himself inside.

The police arrived moments later, surrounding the building and ordering Travis to surrender. But Travis was determined to follow through on his plan, no matter the cost.

He started firing at the police, taking as many of them down as he could. The firefight lasted for what felt like hours, but finally, Travis found himself surrounded and out of ammunition.

He emerged from his apartment, arms raised in surrender. The police arrested him on the spot, and he was taken to the station for questioning.

As he sat in the interrogation room, Travis felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that he had accomplished his mission – he had rid the city of some of its filth. And even if it meant spending the rest of his life behind bars, he knew that he had done what was right.

Chapter 8: The Showdown

Travis stood in the middle of the apartment building, guns in hand, as police officers slowly approached him from the stairs. He had just killed a group of men, including the pimp Sport, and his mind was racing with adrenaline and fear. He knew that he had to think fast if he wanted to survive.

Travis took a deep breath and assessed the situation. There were at least ten officers approaching him, all armed and ready to fire. He had to act quickly. He aimed his guns at the officers and yelled, “Stay back! Don’t come any closer!”

The officers hesitated, unsure of what to do. They had never encountered a situation like this before. They wanted to take Travis alive, but they didn’t want to risk the lives of their own officers. They tried to talk him down, but Travis wasn’t listening.

Travis felt a sudden pang of regret. He didn’t want to kill anyone else, but he knew that he didn’t have a choice. He fired his guns at the officers, hoping to take down as many as possible.

The officers returned fire, and the apartment filled with the sounds of gunfire. Travis dodged and weaved, trying to avoid the bullets. He felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and knew that he had been hit.

He stumbled backwards, but he refused to give up. He took a deep breath and focused all his energy on taking down his opponents. He managed to shoot a few more officers before he was hit again, this time in the leg.

He collapsed onto the floor, his guns clattering to the ground beside him. He felt the rush of blood leaving his body and knew that his time was almost up. He looked up and saw one of the officers approaching him with handcuffs.

Travis knew that he had lost. He was too weak to resist, and he knew that he would be taken away to pay for his crimes. He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.

As the officer handcuffed him and pulled him to his feet, Travis felt a strange sense of relief. He had accomplished what he had set out to do, and he had nothing left to lose. He knew that he would spend the rest of his life in prison, but he was at peace with that.

As the officers led him out of the building and into the waiting police car, Travis stared out the window at the night sky. He couldn’t help but wonder if he had made a difference, or if he was just another part of the city’s never-ending cycle of violence and decay.

Chapter 9: Redemption

The sound of the police sirens grew louder as they approached the apartment where Travis had barricaded himself. He had no intention of going down without a fight, but as he looked around the room, filled with bullet casings, he knew that his mission was almost over.

Travis had always felt like an outsider in society, disconnected from the people around him. He had seen too much darkness, too much filth, and it had twisted him into something unrecognizable. As the police barged into the room, he raised his gun, ready to take as many of them down with him as he could.

But then he saw the face of one of the cops, a young man who looked barely older than a teenager. Travis’s hand shook as he watched the fear in the officer’s eyes, and suddenly, something inside him broke. He lowered his weapon and surrendered, putting his hands up in the air.

The officers handcuffed him and led him outside, where a crowd of reporters and bystanders had gathered. They shouted questions at him, asking him why he had done what he had done, but Travis didn’t answer. He just looked down at his feet, feeling numb.

In the weeks that followed, Travis was a media sensation. The newspapers called him a hero, a vigilante who had taken matters into his own hands and cleaned up the city. But Travis didn’t see it that way. He knew that what he had done was wrong, that he had been consumed by his own rage and pain. He couldn’t escape the guilt and shame that followed him everywhere he went.

Travis’s trial was a circus, with people lining up for hours just to get a glimpse of him as he was led into the courtroom. But the trial was brief, with the evidence against him overwhelming. Even his own lawyer knew that there was no way to save him from a life sentence.

In prison, Travis was a shell of his former self. He was a broken man, haunted by the ghosts of his past. But as the months went by, something began to shift inside him. He started reading books, educating himself on the issues he had once raged against. He started writing letters, apologizing to the people he had hurt.

And then, one day, he received a letter back. It was from Iris, the girl he had saved from Sport’s clutches all those months ago. She wrote that she was doing well, that she had left that life behind and was now working to help other girls escape from the same fate she had suffered.

The letter brought tears to Travis’s eyes. For the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope. He knew that he couldn’t undo the things he had done, but maybe, just maybe, he could use the rest of his life to make a difference.

Travis threw himself into his studies, earning degrees in sociology and psychology. He started writing articles for prison newspapers, speaking out against the very things he had once been a part of. And when he was given the opportunity to speak to young people about his experiences, he took it, no longer ashamed of the things he had done but determined to use them for good.

Years went by, and Travis grew older. He watched as the world around him changed, as the city he had once hated became a place of progress and hope. And in the end, when he breathed his last breath, he knew that he had finally found redemption, that he had become more than just the sum of his past mistakes.

Epilogue

Travis sat in his room at the mental institution, staring at the blank walls. It had been months since his rampage through the city, and he had been locked up ever since.

As he sat there, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had made a difference. He had taken out some of the scum that was polluting the city, but at what cost? He had lost himself in the process, and now he was paying the price.

But then he started to hear whispers. Whispers of a new hero who was taking up where he had left off. Someone who was cleaning up the streets and making the city a safer place.

Travis couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as he listened to the rumors. Maybe he had started something after all. Maybe his actions had inspired others to take up the fight against the darkness that lurked in the city’s shadows.

As he sat there, he made a decision. He would use his experiences to help the new hero. He would teach them what he had learned, and show them how to fight the good fight without losing themselves in the process.

Travis smiled as he realized that he had found a new purpose. He was no longer the only one fighting for the city’s soul. He had inspired a new generation of heroes to take up the fight, and he would do everything in his power to help them succeed.

The city would never sleep, but with the new hero and his guidance, it would be a safer place to live.


Some scenes from the A.I. movie Taxi Driver

Scene 1

INT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT

We open on a panoramic shot of New York City at night. The city is alive with neon lights, honking cars, and bustling people. Cut to a close-up of TRAVIS, a man in his mid-thirties, sitting in the driver’s seat of his taxi. He is dressed in a faded army jacket, with his hair unkempt and a five o’clock shadow on his face. His eyes are intense, darting around the city as he drives.

TRAVIS (V.O.)

You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? Well, I’m the only one here.

We see Travis in the rearview mirror, rehearsing his lines in anticipation of a confrontation. Cut back to Travis driving through the city, scanning the streets.

TRAVIS (V.O.)

All the animals come out at night – whores, skunk pussies, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies, sick, venal. Someday a rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets.

As Travis continues to drive, we see the darker side of New York City at night – drug deals on street corners, prostitutes hustling potential customers, and a general sense of despair and decay.

TRAVIS (V.O.)

I gotta get in shape. Too much sitting has ruined my body. Too much abuse has gone on for too long. From now on there will be 50 pushups each morning, 50 pullups. There will be no more pills, no more bad food, no more destroyers of my body.

Travis pulls up to a stoplight, and we see a group of young men catcalling and harassing a young woman on the street corner. Travis glares at them, his hands tightening on the steering wheel.

TRAVIS (V.O.)

The idea had been growing in my brain for some time: true force. All the king’s men cannot put it back together again.

The light turns green, and Travis drives off, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. The camera lingers on the young woman, her eyes pleading for help, as we fade to black.

Scene 2

EXT. NEW YORK CITY – DAY

Aerial view of busy streets and towering skyscrapers. CUT TO:

INT. MARCUS’ OFFICE – DAY

Marcus, a wealthy businessman in his late 50s, sits in his luxurious office. His phone rings and he answers.

MARCUS: (into phone) Yes?

TRAVIS: (V.O.) (on the phone) It’s Travis. I need to speak with you.

MARCUS: Travis, what a surprise. How did you get this number?

TRAVIS: (V.O.) That’s not important. I need to talk to you about Iris.

MARCUS: Iris? Who’s Iris?

TRAVIS: (V.O.) The girl you’re pimping out. I know what you’re doing to her, and I won’t stand for it.

MARCUS: (chuckles) You’re a funny guy, Travis. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

TRAVIS: (V.O.) Don’t play dumb with me. I know you’re involved in the sex trade, and I know where to find Iris.

MARCUS: (sighs) Look, Travis, you don’t want to get involved in things you don’t understand. Just stay out of this.

TRAVIS: (V.O.) It’s too late for that. I’m coming for Iris, and I’m coming for you.

Marcus hangs up the phone and leans back in his chair, deep in thought.

CUT TO:

INT. TRAVIS’ APARTMENT – NIGHT

Travis sits in his dimly lit apartment, surrounded by weapons and newspaper clippings. He scribbles in a notebook, planning his next move.

TRAVIS: (V.O.) Marcus is the next target. He’s the one pulling the strings, and I need to take him down.

Travis loads his guns and puts them in his backpack. He puts on his jacket and heads out the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. MARCUS’ OFFICE – NIGHT

Travis stands outside Marcus’ office building, watching as people come and go. He puts on his sunglasses and walks inside, his backpack slung over his shoulder.

CUT TO:

INT. MARCUS’ OFFICE – NIGHT

Travis bursts into Marcus’ office, guns drawn.

TRAVIS: Where’s Iris?

MARCUS: (shocked) Travis, what are you doing here?

TRAVIS: I said, where’s Iris?

MARCUS: (defeated) She’s in the back room. But listen, Travis, you don’t have to do this. We can work something out.

Travis ignores Marcus and heads to the back room, guns at the ready.

INT. BACK ROOM – NIGHT

Travis opens the door to the back room and finds Iris sitting on a bed, scared and confused.

TRAVIS: Come on, we’re getting you out of here.

Iris looks up at Travis with gratitude as they make their way out of the building.

CUT TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT

Travis and Iris walk down the street, the city alive with activity around them.

IRIS: (grateful) Thank you for saving me, Travis. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come.

TRAVIS: (stoic) It’s what I do.

As they walk away, we see Marcus watching them from his office window, a look of anger and frustration on his face.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 3

FADE IN:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT

The city is bustling with activity. People in elegant suits and expensive dresses walk along the sidewalk, chatting and laughing. The camera pans down to a dark alley, where we see a group of men dealing drugs.

As the camera zooms in, we see one of the men, JIMMY, counting the money. Suddenly, a figure appears from the shadows – it’s TRAVIS, a taxi driver, and he’s not happy.

TRAVIS: (Pointing his gun at Jimmy) What do you think you’re doing, Jimmy? Didn’t I warn you to stay away from my neighborhood?

JIMMY: (Sweating profusely) I-I’m sorry, Travis. I didn’t mean to…

Travis fires his gun, sending Jimmy scrambling for cover. The other men run away as Travis walks calmly out of the alley.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. TRAVIS’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Travis sits in his apartment, looking at the newspaper. The headline reads, “Mysterious Vigilante Strikes Again.” Travis nods, satisfied.

TRAVIS: (To himself) Maybe now they’ll see that I’m doing the right thing.

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupts Travis’s thoughts. He gets up to answer it, gun in hand.

TRAVIS: Who is it?

BETSY: (Off screen) It’s Betsy. From the campaign office.

Travis holsters his gun and opens the door. Betsy stands there, looking scared.

BETSY: Travis, I’m sorry to bother you. But I’m scared. Someone’s been following me.

Travis’s eyes narrow. He knows what he has to do.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. CITY STREETS – NIGHT

Travis drives his taxi, scanning the streets for any suspicious activity. Betsy sits in the passenger seat, looking nervous.

BETSY: Travis, can we please just go back to my apartment? I’m scared.

TRAVIS: Don’t worry, Betsy. I won’t let anything happen to you.

As they turn a corner, Travis spots a suspicious-looking car following them. He speeds up, the car following close behind. Suddenly, the car swerves and crashes into a nearby building.

Travis gets out of the car, gun in hand. He approaches the wrecked car and sees the driver – it’s Sport, the pimp he’s been after. Sport tries to reach for his own gun, but Travis shoots him first.

Betsy looks on in horror as Travis walks back to the taxi, holstering his gun.

TRAVIS: Don’t worry, Betsy. You’re safe now.

FADE OUT.

END OF SCENE.

Scene 4

Scene 1: Int. Dark Alley – Night

The alley is dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp. Travis walks down the alley, clutching his latest purchase, a collection of firearms. He tucks them into his coat, trying to remain inconspicuous.

A group of criminals notice him and start to approach, but Travis quickly draws his handgun, pointing it at them.

TRAVIS:

Stay back, don’t come any closer.

The criminals laugh, trying to intimidate him.

CRIMINAL 1:

What you gonna do with that little toy? You know who we are?

Travis stares them down, his hands shaking slightly. He doesn’t say anything, just keeps the gun trained on them.

CRIMINAL 2:

You’re crazy, man.

The criminals back away slowly, but Travis keeps the gun pointed at them until they disappear into the darkness.

Scene 2: Int. Travis’s Apartment – Day

Travis sits at his kitchen table, surrounded by newspaper clippings, photos, and notes. He’s put together a detailed plan, listing out his targets one by one.

TRAVIS (voiceover):

I’ve been planning this for weeks now. It’s time to take action.

He loads his guns, meticulously preparing for his mission.

Scene 3: Ext. Street Corner – Night

Travis pulls up to the corner, where a group of prostitutes are soliciting clients. He spots Iris, a young girl who looks scared and vulnerable. He approaches her.

TRAVIS:

Hey, you want out of this life?

Iris looks at him skeptically.

IRIS:

What’s in it for you?

TRAVIS:

Just trying to do the right thing.

He hands her a wad of cash.

TRAVIS:

Go home, get out of this city. Start a new life.

Iris hesitates, then nods, taking the cash and running off.

Scene 4: Int. Travis’s Taxi – Day

Travis drives through the city, his eyes scanning the streets for his next target. He spots a drug dealer on the corner and pulls over.

TRAVIS:

You don’t belong here.

The dealer tries to ignore him, but Travis persists.

TRAVIS:

This is my city, and I’m not gonna let you ruin it.

He pulls out his gun and shoots the dealer, then drives away before anyone can see him.

Scene 5: Int. Political Campaign Office – Day

Travis walks into the office, looking for Betsy. She’s surprised to see him.

BETSY:

What are you doing here?

TRAVIS:

I wanna take you out. Somewhere nice.

Betsy looks hesitant, but ultimately agrees.

Scene 6: Int. Fancy Restaurant – Night

Travis and Betsy sit across from each other, awkwardly making conversation. Travis looks nervous, his hands shaking.

BETSY:

Is everything okay?

TRAVIS:

Yeah, yeah. It’s just been a long time since I’ve done anything like this.

Betsy smiles sympathetically.

BETSY:

Well, I think you’re doing great.

Travis relaxes slightly, enjoying her company.

TRAVIS:

Thanks. You look beautiful tonight.

They continue their conversation, oblivious to the danger that’s closing in around them.

Scene 5

INT. TRAVIS’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Travis is sitting on his couch, surrounded by guns and ammunition boxes. He’s wearing a Mohawk wig and a sleeveless jacket, looking at himself in the mirror. He’s trying to psych himself up for what he’s about to do.

Travis: (to himself) “You’re the only one who can do this, Travis. You’re the avenging angel. You’re the one who’s going to clean up this city.”

Suddenly, Travis’s phone rings, jolting him out of his reverie. He answers it.

Travis: “Hello?”

Betsy: (over the phone) “Travis, it’s Betsy. We need to talk.”

Travis: “Betsy? What’s wrong?”

Betsy: “I just wanted to apologize for what happened at the campaign office. I should have given you a chance.”

Travis: “It’s okay, Betsy. I understand. But I’m kind of busy right now. Can we talk tomorrow?”

Betsy: “Sure, Travis. Take care of yourself, okay?”

Travis hangs up the phone, a small smile on his face. He picks up his guns and starts loading them, getting ready for his mission.

CUT TO:

INT. SPORT’S PIMPMOBILE – NIGHT

Sport is driving his car, with Iris sitting beside him. She looks scared and upset.

Iris: “Sport, I’m not feeling so good. Can we stop for a minute?”

Sport: “We can’t stop now, baby. We’re on a tight schedule.”

Iris: “Please, Sport. I really need to take a break.”

Sport sighs and pulls over to the side of the road. He looks at Iris with concern.

Sport: “You know I care about you, baby. What’s going on?”

Iris: “I don’t know, Sport. I just feel like something terrible is going to happen. Like I’m walking into a trap.”

Sport: “Hey, hey. Don’t worry about anything, baby. I won’t let anything happen to you, okay?”

Sport leans in to kiss Iris, but she recoils.

Iris: “I don’t want to do this anymore, Sport. I just want to go home.”

Sport: “What are you talking about, baby? You know you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. We’re a team, remember?”

Iris: “I don’t want to be a team, Sport. I want to be free.”

Sport looks at Iris, anger flashing across his face.

Sport: “You don’t know what you want, baby. You’re just a stupid kid. You need me to take care of you.”

Iris: “No, Sport. I don’t need you. I can take care of myself.”

Sport raises his hand to hit Iris, but suddenly the car door opens and Travis steps in. His guns are pointed at Sport and Iris.

Travis: “Let her go, Sport.”

Sport: “Who the hell are you?”

Travis: “I’m the one who’s going to put an end to scum like you.”

Sport laughs and reaches for his own gun, but Travis is faster. He shoots him in the head, killing him instantly. Iris looks at Travis, in shock.

Travis: “Are you okay, Iris?”

Iris: “Y-yeah. Who are you?”

Travis: “I’m Travis. Just someone who’s trying to make things right.”

Travis helps Iris out of the car and leads her away from the scene of the crime.

Scene 6

INT. TRAVIS’S APARTMENT – DAY

Travis opens his eyes and sits up in bed. A loud knocking sound interrupts his thoughts. He gets up and heads towards the door, still groggy from his sleepless night.

As he opens the door, Sport, the pimp, stands in front of him with Iris by his side. Travis looks surprised to see them.

SPORT: “Hey man, sorry to bother you so early. I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

Travis looks at Iris — she appears to be scared and uncomfortable.

TRAVIS: “What kind of favor?”

SPORT: “Iris here needs a break from the game. She’s been working too hard lately. I was hoping you could take her out for a day, you know, show her the sights.”

Iris looks at Travis, almost pleading.

IRIS: “Please, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Travis hesitates for a moment, then looks back at Iris.

TRAVIS: “Get your things.”

He closes the door and starts to get dressed. As he puts on his clothes, he looks in the mirror and sees the dark circles under his eyes. He looks tired.

INT. TRAVIS’S TAXI – DAY

Travis drives through the busy streets of New York City with Iris by his side. She seems fascinated by the sights and sounds of the city.

TRAVIS: “You ever been to Central Park?”

IRIS: “No, I’ve never been.”

Travis smiles, then turns up the radio. Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” fills the car as they drive towards the park.

INT. CENTRAL PARK – DAY

Travis and Iris walk through Central Park, enjoying each other’s company. For a moment, it seems like they forget about the world outside of the park.

They sit on a bench near a pond, watching the ducks swim. Iris looks happy, but Travis still seems distant.

IRIS: “Thank you for doing this, Travis. I’m having a really good time.”

TRAVIS: “You don’t have to thank me.”

IRIS: “Why are you being so nice to me? You don’t even know me.”

Travis looks at her for a moment, then looks away.

TRAVIS: “I don’t know. I guess I just feel sorry for you.”

IRIS: “Why?”

TRAVIS: “I don’t know, it’s just… you’re so young. You shouldn’t have to go through all of this.”

IRIS: “I don’t have a choice.”

Travis pauses for a moment, then looks back at her.

TRAVIS: “Maybe you do have a choice. Maybe you could leave all of this behind and start over.”

Iris looks at him, surprised.

IRIS: “You really think so?”

TRAVIS: “Yeah. I mean, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But maybe it’s worth a try.”

Suddenly, Travis’s radio crackles to life.

RADIO: “Attention all units, we have a 10-13 in progress. Repeat, a 10-13 in progress. Officers respond.”

Travis looks at Iris, then stands up.

TRAVIS: “Come on. We have to go.”

They start to run towards Travis’s taxi. As they drive away, Iris looks back at the park, wondering what her life could be like if she left the game behind.

Scene 7

INT. JEN’S APARTMENT – DAY

Jen sits, surrounded by her friends, in her living room. They’re all talking loudly and laughing.

JEN: (smiling) So, my boss called me into his office today…

As she tells the story, Jen’s smile fades. We see a flashback of her sitting across from her boss, looking uncomfortable.

FLASHBACK – INT. JEN’S WORKPLACE – DAY

Jen’s boss, MR. HARRISON, sits across from her at his desk.

MR. HARRISON: The company is going in a different direction, Jen. We’re letting you go.

Jen’s eyes widen in shock.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY –

JEN: (voice breaking) …and he fired me.

Her friends all gasp and murmur sympathetically.

FRIEND 1: I’m so sorry, Jen.

FRIEND 2: That’s terrible.

JEN: (trying to smile) It’s okay. I wasn’t happy there anyway.

As her friends continue to chat, Jen’s phone rings. She looks down to see an unknown number.

JEN: (answering) Hello?

A pause.

JEN: (confused) Who is this?

There’s another pause.

JEN: (curious) What do you want?

Suddenly, a loud crash is heard from outside Jen’s apartment. Jen’s friends all jump and look towards the door.

JEN: (concerned) Hold on, I’m going to go check.

Jen cautiously approaches her front door and peers out the peephole. She sees nothing.

JEN: (calling out) Who’s there?

No answer. Jen starts to open the door.

JEN: (whispering to herself) It’s probably just some kids playing a prank.

As she opens the door, a hand suddenly darts out and grabs her. Jen screams in terror as she’s yanked out of her apartment and pulled into the hallway.

The door slams shut behind her.

Scene 8

EXT. CITY STREET – DAY

Travis is driving his taxi through the busy streets of New York City. He is more unhinged than ever, with his killing spree still fresh in his mind.

He sees a young girl walking alone on the street, and something in him snaps. He pulls over and offers her a ride.

YOUNG GIRL

(skeptical)

Uh, no thanks. I’m good.

Travis insists, and the girl reluctantly gets into the car. As they drive, Travis becomes increasingly erratic and starts talking to himself.

YOUNG GIRL (CONT’D)

(terrified)

Can you let me out here, please?

Travis ignores her and continues driving. Suddenly, he makes a sharp turn down a dark alley.

YOUNG GIRL (CONT’D)

(screaming)

What are you doing?! Let me out!

Travis stops the car and turns to face the girl.

TRAVIS

(with a sinister grin)

You should be more careful, little girl.

He lunges at her, and the scene cuts to black.

INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT

Detectives are questioning Travis about the abduction and murder of the young girl. Travis sits calmly, with a blank expression on his face.

DETECTIVE #1

You’re in a lot of trouble here, Travis. You could be facing the death penalty.

TRAVIS

(nonchalantly)

Death doesn’t scare me.

DETECTIVE #2

(angrily)

You’re some kind of sicko, aren’t you? What the hell is wrong with you?

TRAVIS

(impassive)

I just wanted to protect her. From the filth of this city.

DETECTIVE #1

(shaking his head)

You’re not a hero, Travis. You’re a monster.

The scene fades to black as Travis stares blankly at the detectives.

Scene 9

EXT. MENTAL INSTITUTION – DAY

Travis, with a blank expression, sits on a bench in the courtyard of the mental institution, staring off into the distance. A nurse walks up to him and hands him a cup of water.

NURSE: “How are you feeling today, Travis?”

TRAVIS: “Fine. Just thinking.”

NURSE: “What are you thinking about?”

TRAVIS: “The city. The people. It’s all the same. They all have their own agenda, their own selfish desires.”

NURSE: “Do you regret what you did?”

TRAVIS: “No. I did what I had to do.”

NURSE: “But was it worth it? Did it solve anything?”

TRAVIS: “Maybe not. But someone had to take a stand, and I did what I could.”

The nurse nods and leaves Travis to his thoughts. He looks up at the sky, wondering if anything will ever change.

Scene 10

SCENE 1

INT. MENTAL INSTITUTION – DAY

Travis sits on his bed, staring at the blank walls. He looks much older than before, his hair and beard have grown out, and his eyes are sad.

NURSE:

Travis, you have a visitor.

Travis looks up, surprised. He hasn’t had a visitor in years.

CUT TO:

SCENE 2

INT. VISITATION ROOM – DAY

Travis walks in and sees a young woman sitting at the table, wearing a suit and holding a briefcase. She looks up and smiles at him.

WOMAN:

Hi Travis, I’m Samantha. I’m a lawyer.

Travis looks at her, confused.

SAMANTHA:

Your brother hired me. He wants to get you released from this place.

Travis looks down at his hands, unsure of what to say.

SAMANTHA:

Travis, I know you’ve been through a lot, but with the right help, you can start a new life outside of here.

Travis looks up at Samantha, his eyes filled with hope.

CUT TO:

SCENE 3

INT. COURTROOM – DAY

Travis sits at the defendant’s table, his brother and Samantha sit beside him.

JUDGE:

Mr. Bickle, after reviewing your case and evaluations, I am inclined to grant your release. However, there will be strict conditions on your probation.

Travis nods his head, trying to keep his composure.

JUDGE:

Mr. Bickle, you are not to possess any weapons, and you must attend therapy sessions twice a week. Any violation of these terms will result in your immediate return to this institution.

Travis nods his head again, acknowledging the judge’s words.

JUDGE:

Good luck Mr. Bickle.

CUT TO:

SCENE 4

INT. TRAVIS’ APARTMENT – DAY

Travis walks into his small apartment, still unsure of how to feel. He looks around at the bare walls and empty spaces.

CUT TO:

SCENE 5

INT. THERAPY SESSION – DAY

Travis sits across from his therapist, DR. KIM.

DR. KIM:

So, Travis, how have you been since your release?

Travis looks down at his hands, unsure of how to answer.

DR. KIM:

I know it’s been a difficult transition, but we’re here to help you.

Travis nods his head, trying to stay focused.

DR. KIM:

Have you met anyone new? Made any friends?

Travis shakes his head, looking down at his hands again.

DR. KIM:

Well, we can work on that. Building connections is important for your recovery.

Travis nods his head, slowly starting to feel more at ease.

CUT TO:

SCENE 6

INT. CAFÉ – DAY

Travis sits alone, sipping a cup of coffee. He looks up and sees a young woman, JENNA, sitting at a nearby table, reading a book.

Travis looks at her, captivated by her beauty. Suddenly, his mind starts racing, and he begins to feel anxious.

CUT TO:

SCENE 7

INT. THERAPY SESSION – DAY

Travis sits across from Dr. Kim, looking distraught.

DR. KIM:

What’s on your mind, Travis?

Travis takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

TRAVIS:

I met someone, but I’m scared. I don’t know if I can handle it.

DR. KIM:

It’s normal to feel scared and uncertain, Travis. But it’s important to take steps forward and face your fears.

CUT TO:

SCENE 8

INT. JENNA’S APARTMENT – DAY

Travis stands outside Jenna’s door, nervous and unsure. He takes a deep breath and knocks.

Jenna opens the door, smiling at Travis.

JENNA:

Hey, come in.

Travis walks inside, looking around her small apartment.

JENNA:

Can I get you something to drink?

TRAVIS:

No, thanks.

They both sit down on the couch, looking at each other.

JENNA:

So, what do you do?

TRAVIS:

I’m a taxi driver.

Jenna nods her head, looking interested.

JENNA:

That must be an interesting job.

Travis shrugs his shoulders, unsure of how to respond.

TRAVIS:

It has its moments.

They both sit in silence, unsure of what to say.

CUT TO:

SCENE 9

INT. THERAPY SESSION – DAY

Dr. Kim looks at Travis, trying to gauge his emotions.

DR. KIM:

How are things going with Jenna?

Travis looks down, unsure of how to respond.

DR. KIM:

Remember, trust takes time. It’s important to take things slow.

Travis nods his head, looking more peaceful.

CUT TO:

SCENE 10

INT. JENNA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Travis and Jenna are sitting on the couch, watching a movie. Jenna leans her head on Travis’ shoulder, and he puts his arm around her.

Jenna looks up at Travis and smiles.

JENNA:

You know, you’re a really great guy.

Travis looks at her, feeling more confident.

TRAVIS:

Thanks, you’re pretty great too.

They both laugh, feeling more comfortable in each other’s presence.

FADE TO BLACK.

Author: AI