Smokers' corner: The lure of fascist fantasies

The 1976 Hollywood film Taxi Driver follows a troubled military veteran who struggles with insomnia and loneliness in the gritty streets of New York City. Consumed by insomnia and the moral decay of his surroundings, he works long hours as a cab driver. Through his internal monologues, the film reveals his fragile state of mind, railing against the "filth" he encounters on the streets, including whores, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies, and sick individuals.

As the story unfolds, the cabdriver attempts to court a campaign worker for a liberal presidential candidate, but his actions drive her away. His obsession shifts towards assassinating the candidate, but his plan fails. He then turns his attention to a young teenage sex worker, who adamantly asserts her right to make her own choices.

Undeterred, he returns later with lethal intent, resulting in a brutal armed assault that leaves her pimp and associates dead. The media then frames his violent spree as an act of 'heroism'.