Jodie Foster Initially Unimpressed by Robert De Niro on ‘Taxi Driver’ Set: ‘Opened My Eyes to What Acting Could Be’
Jodie Foster’s early encounter with Robert De Niro on the set of Martin Scorsese’s iconic film “Taxi Driver” surprisingly left her underwhelmed. At just 12 years old, the young actress found De Niro’s intense Method acting approach rather dull. However, this initial impression evolved dramatically, ultimately transforming her understanding of acting. This Hollywood story sheds light on how Foster came to appreciate De Niro’s profound dedication, influencing her own illustrious career.
When Jodie Foster first crossed paths with Robert De Niro on the set of “Taxi Driver,” his solemn demeanor failed to impress her. Despite De Niro being one of Hollywood’s most esteemed actors, Foster found herself questioning his appeal during their initial meetings.
During an enlightening session at the Marrakech Film Festival, Foster revisited these early memories, sharing how De Niro mentored her. He would take her to coffee shops, running lines repeatedly, which she found tiresome. “He wasn’t the most interesting person on earth,” she admitted, referencing his deep immersion in character.
Foster often felt out of place during their meals together, longing to go home as De Niro remained engrossed in his role. She recounted making small talk with waitstaff instead of engaging conversation with her co-star during these outings.
Everything changed when De Niro introduced Foster to improvisation, revolutionizing her perspective on acting. “By our third lunch, he opened my eyes to what acting could be,” she noted. This newfound understanding marked a pivotal moment for the young actress. Realizing she needed to contribute more substantially to her roles, Foster embraced this deeper involvement with fervor, sparking her lifelong passion for the craft.
The legendary film took Foster to the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, albeit amidst some hesitations from the team. Despite reluctance, her mother, doubling as her manager, insisted on their attendance given Foster’s fluency in French.
Foster humorously recalled handling the film’s press duties while her male co-stars avoided public appearances due to concerns over the film’s violent reputation. “I ended up doing all the interviews in French for the entire team of ‘Taxi Driver’!” she laughed.
A seasoned performer from an early age, Foster has reflected on the nature of acting and how she was thrust into it without deliberate choice. “I would never have chosen to be an actor,” she confessed, citing the role’s demanding nature and her natural aversion to the spotlight.
This background perhaps fuels her desire to mentor young actors today, urging them and their guardians to prioritize personal well-being over professional pressures. “I feel like, wait, where are their parents?” she questioned, advocating for healthy boundaries between public and private life.
Throughout her career, Foster has sought strong, central roles, reinforcing her commitment to impactful storytelling. Recognizing the shift towards female representation in filmmaking, she expressed excitement about her recent collaborations with female directors—an overdue but welcome change.
In Marrakech to accept a career tribute and promote her latest project, “A Private Life,” Foster expressed her eagerness to delve deeper into French cinema. Celebrating the international community of filmmakers, she relishes opportunities to blend her dual heritage through film.
Foster’s reflections capture the essence of a career profoundly influenced by an unexpected encounter, one that reshaped her view and trajectory in the acting world.
