Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Jun 7: Acclaimed Hollywood actress Jodie Foster shared fond memories from the making of the iconic film Taxi Driver during a special 50th-anniversary reunion event, reflecting on her experiences as a young performer working alongside some of cinema’s most celebrated names.
Speaking at the reunion held during the Tribeca Festival, Foster revisited her role as Iris, the troubled young character she portrayed at just 12 years old. The event brought together key figures associated with the landmark film, including director Martin Scorsese, actor Robert De Niro, and screenwriter Paul Schrader.
One particular memory from the production has remained vivid in Foster’s mind over the decades. She recounted an awkward yet humorous moment when Scorsese and De Niro struggled to explain a scene that required her character to interact with De Niro’s costume in a way that made both men visibly uncomfortable.
According to Foster, the two filmmakers repeatedly broke into laughter while attempting to describe the scene, clearly nervous about discussing such material with a young actress. Amused by their hesitation, Foster eventually stepped in and confidently outlined the scene herself, leaving the adults relieved and even more amused.
The reunion also highlighted the self-assurance Foster displayed as a child actor. During the discussion, Scorsese reflected on his first meeting with her before production on the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Despite being only 11 years old and arriving straight from school, Foster impressed him with her professionalism and confidence.
Scorsese recalled that Foster approached acting assignments with remarkable certainty, quickly assuring him that she understood the role and was ready to take on the challenge. Her mature attitude, he said, stood out immediately and left a lasting impression on the cast and crew.
The conversation also featured moments of light-hearted banter among the film’s veterans. At one point, Foster drew laughter from the audience when she playfully interrupted Schrader for attempting to answer a question without speaking into a microphone. Scorsese responded with a joke of his own, adding to the warm atmosphere of the reunion.
Reflecting on the demanding production process, Scorsese praised Foster’s presence on set, describing her as unusually composed and dependable for someone so young. He noted that her confidence and authority helped support the production through what he remembered as a challenging shoot.
Five decades after the release of Taxi Driver, Foster’s recollections offered fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a film that remains one of the most influential works in cinematic history, while also underscoring the professionalism that defined her career from an early age.