Jodie Foster's initial reaction to Robert De Niro: 'When can I leave?'

Jodie Foster has recounted her initial thoughts on Robert De Niro, describing the legendary actor as not very engaging at firsta perception shaped by his dedication to method acting. The Silence of the Lambs actress spoke about meeting De Niro on the set of Martin Scorseses 1976 film Taxi Driver, when she was only 12 years old.

Despite De Niro being a well-established actor at 32, Foster said he took her under his wing to help them connect as co-stars. Wed go over the lines repeatedly, sometimes three times, Foster, now 63, shared during a discussion at the Marrakech Film Festival, where she received a tribute award. Robert De Niro is one of Americas finest actors, but at that moment, he was very much in character. He seemed quite uninteresting, and I remember sitting at lunch thinking, When can I go home?

Foster revealed that during their lunches together, she often spoke to restaurant staff and other diners because De Niro remained fully immersed in his role as a mentally troubled veteran from Taxi Driver. The young actresss perspective changed when De Niro explained his approach to method acting. By our third lunch, he walked me through improvisation, and it completely changed how I saw acting, she said. At 12, I realized I wasnt contributing enough. I was just reciting lines, but creating a character required more.

She continued, I was thrilled, nervous, and excited. I ran back to my hotel room to tell my mom, Ive had this epiphany. After that, everything shifted for me.

This isnt the first time Foster has discussed her experience playing the controversial child sex worker role in Scorseses film. In a previous interview, she described how both De Niro and Scorsese were somewhat intimidated by her young age. They were a little nervous, especially Scorsese, who would giggle whenever he spoke to me. De Niro had to step in, she told Jimmy Kimmel last year.

Reflections on a Pivotal Moment in Acting

Jodie Foster's recent comments on Robert De Niro shed light on an important aspect of acting—method acting. When recalling her first encounter with the iconic actor during the filming of *Taxi Driver*, she painted a picture of a young 12-year-old girl who found De Niro’s dedication to his craft both distant and puzzling. Initially, Foster struggled to connect with him, perceiving his intense immersion in his character as a barrier to their relationship. However, her perception shifted dramatically after a key conversation about improvisation, which opened her eyes to the deeper layers of acting.

This evolution in Foster’s understanding highlights the transformative power of mentorship, especially in the world of film. De Niro’s approach, while seemingly aloof, was not meant to isolate but to enhance the authenticity of their performances. It is a reminder that even legendary actors like De Niro were once beginners, and their dedication to the craft often takes unconventional forms. Foster’s story underscores how actors evolve, often in unexpected ways, when they are willing to learn and adapt.

De Niro’s method acting, often misunderstood by those not directly involved, exemplifies the personal sacrifices actors make for their roles. Foster’s insight into the process is a valuable lesson for anyone interested in the art of acting, illustrating that true growth comes not just from memorizing lines, but from fully embodying a character. Her epiphany at the age of 12 serves as a powerful reminder of how a single moment of guidance can change the trajectory of a young actor’s career.

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• Jodie Foster reveals first impression of ‘uninteresting’ Robert De Niro: ‘When can I go home?’