Jodie Foster Explores New Horizons in French Film A Private Life
Jodie Foster is breaking new ground in her illustrious career with her latest film, A Private Life. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, this project marks Foster’s first leading role in which she speaks French. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival, showcases a different facet of Foster’s talent — one that reveals a more fragile and vulnerable side of the two-time Academy Award winner.
In A Private Life, Foster portrays Dr. Lilian Steiner, an American psychoanalyst based in Paris. The plot takes a dark turn when one of her patients dies under mysterious circumstances, prompting Lilian to confront her tumultuous family history and strained relationship with her ex-husband, played by French actor Daniel Auteuil. Foster expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “It took me a long time to find the right project. I just really wanted to make a French movie. And this script is really good for me.”
The film defies traditional genre boundaries, shifting from romantic comedy to psychological thriller, while incorporating elements of Freudian psychology. Foster noted, “It’s something we don’t allow ourselves to do in the United States, where a film has to be a thriller, or it has to be a comedy, or it has to be a small, personal film.” This flexibility in storytelling is a hallmark of French cinema, according to Foster, who appreciates the creative freedom afforded to directors in the country.
One of the most significant aspects of her performance is the impact of speaking French on her character portrayal. Foster explained, “I have a different personality because I’m not as confident… it brings something to the character — that she’s filled with anxiety, that she’s not being listened to.” The nuances of language added complexity to her depiction of Lilian, reinforcing the character’s emotional struggles.
Foster’s on-screen vulnerability is evident in her dynamic with Auteuil, whose character provides a counterbalance to her own. “He’s the perfect foil for Lilian Steiner because he’s kind of soft and funny and doesn’t take himself seriously,” she shared. Their interactions culminate in a poignant scene during a rain-soaked car ride, where Lilian confronts her ex-husband about their past, a moment she describes as deeply moving.
Throughout her career, Foster has consistently portrayed women under pressure, often fighting for their voices to be heard. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I think my whole life I’ve compartmentalized — it was a survival mechanism as a child actor.” This coping strategy, developed during her early experiences in Hollywood, has shaped her approach to acting and storytelling.
Foster’s resilience has been tested numerous times, including during her first trip to Cannes in 1976 when she faced personal loss. She recalled, “I made up this thing in my mind that I had to lose the thing that I loved the most in order to do some Mephistopheles deal with the devil in order to have the career I wanted.” This emotional backdrop has influenced her performances and continues to resonate in her work today.
Over the years, Foster has experienced a professional resurgence. In 2023, she received an Oscar nomination for her role in Nyad, portraying the coach of famed swimmer Diana Nyad. Her recent lead role in the acclaimed HBO series True Detective: Night Country also earned her an Emmy Award, marking a significant return to the spotlight.
“I feel freer now,” she stated. “For so long, I was obsessed with being taken seriously, with carrying the whole film on my shoulders.” As she embraces a new creative phase, Foster’s work in A Private Life exemplifies her willingness to explore uncharted territory, both personally and artistically.
As she reflects on her nearly six-decade career, Foster expresses a desire to continue working in French cinema. “It feels like such an escape from myself,” she concluded. With A Private Life, Jodie Foster not only expands her artistic horizons but also invites audiences to witness her evolving journey as an actress.
