Renowned artist Arthur Jafa is making waves in the art world once again with his latest film, a provocative reimagining of the violent climax of the classic American movie “Taxi Driver.” Jafa, known for his innovative approach to film and video, has taken on the challenge of remaking this iconic scene with a twist that sheds light on the underlying racism in the original film.
In Jafa’s new film, titled “******” or “Redacted,” he replaces the white characters in the climactic scene with Black actors, as originally intended by the film’s screenwriter, Paul Schrader. By doing so, Jafa aims to restore the movie to its original vision and highlight the racist undertones that have long been accepted in the portrayal of the main character, Travis Bickle.
The result is a 73-minute-long film that revisits the bloody climax of “Taxi Driver” multiple times, each time with subtle but crucial differences. Jafa’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating the scene, from the actors’ movements to the sound design, creates a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience for viewers.
In a recent interview, Jafa explained his motivation for taking on this project, citing his fascination with “Taxi Driver” since his high school days and his desire to challenge the film’s portrayal of race and violence. By reimagining the characters and context of the original scene, Jafa hopes to spark a conversation about the ways in which racism is embedded in our cultural narratives.
Jafa’s film is set to premiere at Gladstone Gallery in Chelsea, alongside another installation titled “Black Power Tool and Die Trynig” at 52 Walker in TriBeCa. With his bold and innovative approach to filmmaking, Jafa continues to push boundaries and challenge viewers to rethink the stories we tell and the perspectives we take for granted.
