When I first saw this film, I was literally shocked at the end. De Niro played a lonley, mentally disturb man extremely well. By the end of the film, we see the end result of Travis's mental prison. Travis worked as a taxi driver frequenting areas high in crimes, prostitution, sex, drug, and other oddities of our modern society. Throughout the film, we saw Travis transform from a lonely person who perhaps has communication issues to an obsession to end the life of a candidate. By the end of the film, Travis decides instead of killing a presidential candidate, he would save the life of a 12 years old girl imprisoned by her pimp to a life of prostitution. Armed with a 44 magnum and various other pistols, Travis went to the girl's pimp and ruthlessly, and violently, killed him and all those associated with the girl's imprisonment. At the end of the film, I was a bit confused. Travis is hailed as a hero by the news and everything was "back to normal" - Travis was back at his job as a taxi driver. The 12 years old girl apparently returned to her parents who thanked De Niro. I read over some theories about the ending and they are all plausible. As with all good endings to movies, it leaves the audience questioning what they saw rather than giving them a straight answer. I applaud the makers of the film for the ending that leaves you asking questions rather than finding answers.