I am sure there already are a couple of threads devoted to Travis's mental state but it won't hurt to re-explore the topic. Although it was not specifically stated but I would strongly suspect PTSD or a similar condition. That may very well explain Travis's paranoia. His obsession with Iris and desire to save her from a life of prostitution seems on the level. Remember the conversation he had with Wizard? Travis tells him he has some bad ideas in his head. That probably is foreshadowing of killing Matthew/Sport and the resulting shoot out in the apartment building towards the end. His psychotic behavior may also be what drives Betsey away. Not to mention taking her to the porno films on their "date". De Niro studied mental illness and improvised the monologue in the mirror. "You talking to me" has become iconic and made its way into popular culture.
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Reply by tmdb89406940
on July 14, 2018 at 3:50 PM
That is a good point. Regarding the bodega scene I think Travis felt that he had nothing to lose by shooting the robber. The mohawk was more or less a disguise. Albeit not an effective one but yes altering his appearance as well as "You talkin' to me?" in the mirror were or should have been red flags. Killing Sport/Matthew and the others at the end was his final action or at least in his mind. Personally I think the film should have ended there.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on July 14, 2018 at 6:48 PM
How was what Travis did with Betsy not a date?
Reply by tmdb89406940
on July 14, 2018 at 7:13 PM
would you take a girl you liked to a porno film and consider it a date bro? She was flabbergasted. It was an attempt date in Travis's mind but not to Betsey.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on July 14, 2018 at 9:13 PM
I wouldn't do that, no. In my mind, it was definitely a date, but Travis ruined it. I think we're on the same page, just reading it differently, that's all.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on July 14, 2018 at 9:22 PM
Agreed. Betsy claimed that she already had a copy of the record. I don't know if she was being honest with him or not.