Jodie Fosters Unexpected View of Robert De Niro After Taxi Driver

A recent interview has revealed actress Jodie Foster’s candid recollection of her first professional interaction with co-star Robert De Niro. The meeting occurred ahead of filming for the 1976 movie “Taxi Driver,” in which they both played pivotal roles. Foster was a child actor at the time.

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Jodie Foster was approximately 12 years old when she met Robert De Niro to prepare for their roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver.” The meeting was a rehearsal for a key scene in the film.

During this rehearsal, De Niro, who played the traumatized veteran Travis Bickle, stayed fully in character. Foster has stated that from her perspective as a young actor, this intense method acting approach made him seem “uninteresting” at the time.

Foster played Iris, a teenage sex worker whom Bickle attempts to rescue. The scene they rehearsed was a dialogue in a coffee shop, which is a central moment in the film’s narrative.

The actress has clarified in subsequent interviews that her childhood impression was due to De Niro’s complete immersion in his character, who was intentionally written as socially awkward and disconnected.

Summary

As a child, Jodie Foster found her “Taxi Driver” co-star Robert De Niro uninteresting during their first meeting. This occurred during a rehearsal where De Niro remained in character as Travis Bickle.

Foster’s perspective was based on her interaction with the character, not the actor. She has since explained that De Niro’s approach was a committed form of method acting for the role.

The film “Taxi Driver” was released to critical acclaim. Both performances have been studied and celebrated in the decades since its release.

FAQs

Why did Jodie Foster find Robert De Niro uninteresting?
Foster has stated that De Niro stayed completely in character as Travis Bickle during their rehearsal. From her viewpoint as a 12-year-old, the character’s socially awkward and detached demeanor seemed uninteresting.

Was Jodie Foster nervous to work with Robert De Niro?
The provided information does not mention Foster feeling nervous. It only recounts her specific impression that his in-character behavior was uninteresting to her at that age.

How has Jodie Foster’s view of the experience changed?
In later interviews, Foster clarified her childhood impression, recognizing De Niro’s behavior as a serious commitment to method acting. She has since expressed great respect for his work and dedication to the role.