Jodie Foster recalls finding Robert De Niro “uninteresting” at first during ‘Taxi Driver’ filming

Jodie Foster says she first found Robert De Niro “uninteresting” on ‘Taxi Driver’ before he changed her view on acting

Jodie Foster reflected on her early experience working with Robert De Niro, revealing that she initially found the legendary actor “really uninteresting” while filming Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver”.

Speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, where she received a tribute award, Foster shared candid memories from her childhood career and how De Niro ultimately shaped her understanding of acting.

Foster, who was only 12 years old during production, recalled that De Niro invited her to coffee shops to rehearse lines. Because he was deeply immersed in Method acting, she initially felt confused and even bored. “He was very much in character… really uninteresting,” Foster admitted, joking that she often ended up talking to restaurant staff instead.

The breakthrough came during their third lunch together, when De Niro guided her through an improvisation exercise. It changed everything. Foster described feeling an “epiphany,” realizing she had been reciting lines rather than truly building a character. That moment helped set the foundation for the critically acclaimed career she would go on to build.

Foster also looked back on her first trip to the Cannes Film Festival, recalling that the studio didn’t want to pay for her travel. Her mother insisted, emphasizing the importance of the experience and Foster’s ability to speak French.

During the conversation, Foster spoke passionately about child actors today, expressing concern for their well-being and the pressures of the industry. She also discussed the lack of opportunities for women directors earlier in her career, noting a positive shift in recent years.

Currently promoting her new film, “A Private Life,” Foster said she plans to continue making movies—and hopes to create more French-language projects. “I’ll be making films until I die,” she said.