Jodie Foster: The Young Veteran of Taxi Driver

When one thinks of Martin Scorsese's seminal 1976 film 'Taxi Driver', images of a young Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle often spring to mind. Yet, equally indelible is the performance of Jodie Foster as the child prostitute, Iris Steensma. What many viewers might not realise is the astonishing youth and unexpected veteran status Foster brought to the role, a performance that would not only earn her an Academy Award nomination but also irrevocably shape her understanding of the craft and her future in filmmaking.

The Astonishing Youth of a Seasoned Performer

In 1976, when 'Taxi Driver' first graced the silver screen, Jodie Foster was a mere 12 years old, portraying a character far beyond her years. By the time filming commenced, she had just turned 13, an age at which most children are navigating the complexities of secondary school, not the dark underbelly of New York City's nocturnal landscape. Despite her tender age, Foster was far from a novice. In fact, she was, in many respects, a child veteran, having already amassed an impressive filmography of over ten movies, predominantly children's features. This extensive experience meant that, remarkably, she had more films under her belt than both her director, Martin Scorsese, and her co-star, Robert De Niro, at that point in their careers.

This early immersion in the industry meant Foster approached the demanding role of Iris with a level of professionalism and understanding that belied her years. Her presence on set wasn't that of an intimidated newcomer, but rather a seasoned professional, ready to engage with the material and her esteemed colleagues. It's a testament to her inherent talent and the rigorous training of a child actor in Hollywood that she could step into such a complex, controversial role with such composure.

A Masterclass in Acting: Learning from Robert De Niro

While Foster was already an experienced performer, 'Taxi Driver' offered her a profound education in the art of acting, largely thanks to Robert De Niro. She fondly recalls De Niro taking her 'under his wing', guiding her through the intricate process of character development. This wasn't merely about memorising lines; it was about understanding the very essence of a character. De Niro would take her to coffee shops, running lines with her 'in character' and engaging in improvisational exercises that, initially, she didn't fully grasp. Yet, by the time principal photography began, the 'alchemy' of his teaching had clicked into place.

This immersive mentorship revealed to Foster that acting was far more than just 'make-believe'. It was about delving deep into the psyche of a character, understanding their motivations, and bringing them to life with authenticity. This revelation was transformative for the young actress. She vividly remembers returning to her hotel room in New York City, feeling 'on fire', having discovered a profound new dimension to her craft. This moment marked a pivotal shift in her perspective, elevating acting from a job to a passionate pursuit of artistic creation. It was the moment she truly understood the alchemy of acting.

Behind the Scenes: The Audition and the Iconic Costume

Foster's path to 'Taxi Driver' was unconventional. Having previously worked with Martin Scorsese on 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore', there was no formal audition. Instead, Scorsese simply called her mother, requesting Jodie's presence for a new project. Upon reading the script, her mother was, understandably, taken aback, even thinking Scorsese 'was crazy' for envisioning her young daughter in such a role. Foster met Scorsese in her school uniform – a grey pleated skirt, white Peter Pan collar, and blue blazer – a stark contrast to the gritty world of the film. Her mother's hesitant approval, 'If you really think that she can play this, I guess, you know, it’s up to you', speaks volumes about the challenging nature of the material.

The costume fitting for Iris proved to be another memorable, albeit uncomfortable, experience for Foster. Despite her current status as a fashion icon, she readily admits to being 'not a clothes person', finding shopping akin to 'sticking my eyes with pins'. The infamous costume – hot pants, a halter top, and crazy platform shoes – was a source of considerable distress. What particularly appalled her was the requirement to wear super skin-tight cotton pants with no underwear, a concept entirely alien and uncomfortable for the young actress. She hated the costume so much that she even cried during the fitting, a testament to her profound discomfort. Yet, ironically, this very costume has become undeniably iconic, instantly recognisable and frequently referenced in popular culture, despite Foster's initial aversion.

From Child Star to Acclaimed Director: A Lifelong Ambition

The impact of 'Taxi Driver' on Jodie Foster's career was immediate and profound, earning her her first Academy Award nomination. However, her ambitions extended beyond acting from a very young age. She recalls being just six years old, working on the television show 'Courtship of Eddie's Father', when actor Bill Bixby directed an episode. Witnessing him organise shots and guide the actors ignited a spark within her. 'Oh, wow, this guy is telling me what to do, he is organizing shots, and that’s what I want to do,' she thought, clearly defining her future path.

Foster views her entire career as an actor as an extended 'film school', meticulously observing not just directors but also technicians and editors. Her fascination lies in the mechanics of storytelling and film creation, often more so than the act of performing itself. This unique perspective means she approaches acting with a director's eye, budgeting her performance as if she were behind the camera. Her directorial debut, 'Little Man Tate', allowed her to realise this ambition. However, she found directing herself to be 'tiring and boring' and a 'really bad idea', as it limited the unexpected, fresh contributions that other actors could bring. Despite this, the dual role of actor-director offered a pragmatic advantage: it made it significantly easier to secure financing for films, as she could guarantee a 'proven element' who wouldn't demand excessive pay.

The Trajectory Beyond Travis: Oscars and Self-Reflection

Following 'Taxi Driver', Foster continued to build an extraordinary career, eventually winning two Academy Awards for 'The Accused' and 'Silence of the Lambs'. Interestingly, her journey post-college saw her nearly abandon acting. She had always been told her career would end by 18 and initially never thought she'd return to it. She pursued higher education, even taking her GREs with the intention of going to grad school. However, 'The Accused' emerged, and despite her own critical self-assessment during filming – believing her performance was 'not very good' – the film was a significant success, earning her an Oscar.

This experience taught her a valuable lesson about self-judgment, particularly in her mid-twenties when 'your judgment about yourself and your underlying motivations is very poor'. Her second Oscar for 'Silence of the Lambs' was a particularly joyous occasion, as the film swept the top five categories, leading to a night of shared celebration with the entire cast and crew. While Oscar speeches remain a blur, often only recalled through YouTube replays, she remembers pinching herself, trying to appreciate the magnitude of those 'spectacular' moments, knowing they might never recur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jodie Foster and Taxi Driver

How old was Jodie Foster when she starred in 'Taxi Driver'?

Jodie Foster was 12 years old when she was cast as Iris Steensma in 'Taxi Driver'. By the time the film was actually made and released in 1976, she had turned 13. This made her, at the time, a remarkably young actress taking on a profoundly mature and controversial role, demonstrating an incredible precociousness and professionalism that set her apart even then.

Did Jodie Foster work closely with Robert De Niro on set?

Absolutely. Jodie Foster has often spoken about the invaluable mentorship she received from Robert De Niro during the filming of 'Taxi Driver'. De Niro took her 'under his wing', engaging her in extensive line readings and improvisational exercises in character, often in casual settings like coffee shops. This collaboration was instrumental in teaching Foster the deeper 'alchemy' of acting – how to truly create and inhabit a character beyond mere performance, a lesson she credits with profoundly changing her understanding of her craft.

What was Jodie Foster's audition process like for 'Taxi Driver'?

Unusually, Jodie Foster didn't undergo a traditional audition for 'Taxi Driver'. Having previously worked with director Martin Scorsese on 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore', Scorsese simply contacted her mother directly, asking her to bring Jodie in for the new project. Her mother, upon reading the script, was initially shocked and thought Scorsese might be 'crazy' for considering her young daughter for the role. Foster met Scorsese in her school uniform, further highlighting the stark contrast between her real life and the film's dark subject matter. Her prior relationship with the director solidified her place in the film without the need for a formal try-out.

Did Jodie Foster always aspire to be a film director?

Yes, Jodie Foster harboured directorial ambitions from a very early age. She recalls being inspired at just six years old while working on a television show, observing actor Bill Bixby direct an episode. This experience of seeing someone orchestrate the creative process and guide performances deeply resonated with her, solidifying her desire to direct. She views her entire acting career as a continuous 'film school', meticulously absorbing knowledge about every aspect of filmmaking, from directing and editing to technical production, always with an eye towards her ultimate goal of storytelling from behind the camera.

How did 'Taxi Driver' impact Jodie Foster's subsequent career?

'Taxi Driver' was a pivotal turning point for Jodie Foster. It earned her first Academy Award nomination, catapulting her from a well-known child actor to a critically acclaimed performer on the global stage. The film also provided her with a transformative learning experience, particularly through her work with Robert De Niro, deepening her understanding of acting as an art form. This early success set the stage for a distinguished career that saw her win two further Oscars for 'The Accused' and 'Silence of the Lambs', and successfully transition into directing, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. The film remains a cornerstone of her enduring legacy in cinema.

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