Jodie Foster Reveals Surprising View of Robert De Niro’s Process
URGENT UPDATE: Jodie Foster has just revealed her candid thoughts on working with Robert De Niro, labeling the legendary actor as “really uninteresting” during the early stages of their collaboration on the iconic film Taxi Driver. Speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, Foster shared her initial impressions of De Niro, despite recognizing him as one of the “greatest American actors.”
Foster, the star of The Silence of the Lambs, explained that De Niro often remained in character off set, which initially left her feeling disconnected. “We’d run the lines and run the lines a second and third time,” she recalled, emphasizing how De Niro’s intense focus on preparation created a barrier. “I remember having these lunches with him and being like, ‘What is happening? When can I go home?’”
As the actress recounted her experiences, she admitted that she often found herself engaging with waitstaff rather than De Niro during their meals. “He wouldn’t really be able to talk to me,” she said, underscoring the challenges of their interactions.
However, Foster’s perspective shifted dramatically over time. “He finally walked me through improvisation by the time we had our third lunch together, and it opened my eyes to what acting could be,” she noted, revealing how her understanding of the craft evolved through De Niro’s mentorship.
Foster vividly described a pivotal moment of clarity, saying, “I remember how excited I was… coming back up into the hotel room to meet my mom and saying, ‘I’ve had this epiphany.’” This transformative experience would go on to shape her career in profound ways.
In Taxi Driver, released in 1976, Foster portrayed Iris Steensma, a 12-year-old child prostitute, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. This recognition marked a significant milestone in her career and solidified her status in Hollywood.
As fans reflect on this fascinating insight into De Niro’s acting process, the conversation about the dynamics between these two legendary actors continues to resonate. Stay tuned for more updates on their reflections and the enduring impact of their collaboration.
