Jodie Foster recently opened up about her experience working with legendary actor Robert De Niro on the set of the iconic film ‘Taxi Driver’. In an interview with NME, Foster revealed that she found De Niro’s method acting to be “really uninteresting” and even dreaded having lunch with him during filming.
Foster, who was only 13 years old at the time, played the role of a young prostitute named Iris in the 1976 film. De Niro, known for his intense method acting, played the role of Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable taxi driver who becomes obsessed with saving Iris from her dangerous lifestyle.
In the interview, Foster recalled her time working with De Niro and how she struggled to understand his approach to acting. “I remember having these lunches with him and being like, ‘What is happening? When can I go home?'” she said. “It was really uninteresting to me, the idea of sitting there and talking about your character and your motivation.”
Foster’s comments may come as a surprise to many, as De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time and his method acting has been praised by critics and fellow actors alike. However, Foster’s honesty about her experience sheds light on the different approaches to acting and how it can affect the dynamics on set.
Despite her initial reservations, Foster also shared that she eventually came to appreciate De Niro’s dedication to his craft. “I think I was just too young to understand it at the time,” she said. “But as I got older and started to work with other actors, I realized that everyone has their own process and you have to respect that.”
Foster also praised De Niro’s performance in the film, stating that it was “incredible” and that she learned a lot from working with him. “He was so committed to his character and it really elevated the whole film,” she said. “I have a lot of respect for him as an actor and as a person.”
‘Taxi Driver’ went on to become a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations and solidifying De Niro’s status as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. Foster’s performance as Iris also received widespread acclaim and launched her career as a talented and versatile actress.
Looking back on her experience on the set of ‘Taxi Driver’, Foster has nothing but positive things to say about De Niro and the film. “It was a challenging and unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented and dedicated actor,” she said.
In the end, Foster’s candid comments about De Niro’s method acting only add to the legacy of ‘Taxi Driver’ and the impact it had on the world of cinema. It serves as a reminder that great performances can come from different approaches and that the end result is what truly matters.
As for Foster, she continues to be a force in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Her talent and passion for her craft have earned her numerous accolades and she remains a respected figure in Hollywood.
In conclusion, while Foster may have found De Niro’s method acting “uninteresting” at the time, it is clear that she has nothing but admiration and respect for him and his work. Their collaboration on ‘Taxi Driver’ will always be remembered as a defining moment in both of their careers, and their performances will continue to inspire generations of actors to come.
