Jodie Foster recently opened up about her experience working with Robert De Niro on the iconic film ‘Taxi Driver’. In an interview with NME, the actress shared her thoughts on De Niro’s method acting and how it affected her during their time on set.
Foster, who was only 12 years old when she starred in the film, revealed that she found De Niro’s method acting to be “really uninteresting”. She recalled having lunches with him and feeling confused and eager to go home. However, despite her initial reservations, Foster went on to praise De Niro’s dedication and talent as an actor.
For those who may not be familiar, method acting is a technique in which an actor fully immerses themselves into their character’s mindset and emotions, often blurring the lines between reality and fiction. De Niro is known for his intense method acting approach and has received critical acclaim for his performances in films such as ‘Raging Bull’ and ‘The Godfather: Part II’.
Foster’s comments may come as a surprise to some, considering the success of ‘Taxi Driver’ and De Niro’s performance as the troubled protagonist, Travis Bickle. However, as Foster explained, her perspective on method acting has changed over the years.
She stated, “I think as a kid, I was really uninterested in method acting and all of that stuff. It wasn’t until I got older and started to appreciate the art of acting that I understood its value.”
Foster’s honesty about her initial reaction to De Niro’s method acting is refreshing and sheds light on the often misunderstood technique. Many actors have spoken about the toll it can take on them mentally and emotionally, and Foster’s experience as a child actor is a prime example of this.
Despite her reservations, Foster credits De Niro for helping her grow as an actress. She said, “I think he was really good for me, because he was so serious and so dedicated. It made me want to be better and work harder.”
It is evident that Foster’s time on set with De Niro had a profound impact on her, both personally and professionally. She went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, winning two Academy Awards for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’.
In the interview, Foster also shared her admiration for De Niro’s ability to fully transform into his characters. She said, “I think that’s what’s so amazing about him. He’s a chameleon, and he can do anything.”
Foster’s words are a testament to De Niro’s talent and dedication as an actor. Despite her initial reservations, she has come to appreciate the value of method acting and recognizes De Niro as one of its masters.
In conclusion, Jodie Foster’s recent comments on her experience working with Robert De Niro on ‘Taxi Driver’ provide a unique insight into the world of method acting. Her honesty and admiration for De Niro’s talent and dedication serve as a reminder of the impact that great actors can have on their co-stars. Foster’s journey from being uninterested in method acting to appreciating its value is a testament to the power of growth and learning in the world of acting.
