Jodie Foster was only 12 years old when she took on the role of Iris, a young girl caught in the grip of exploitation, in *Taxi Driver*. Her portrayal of such a complex and unsettling character sparked considerable discussion among audiences and critics alike. Despite the controversy surrounding the role, Foster approached it with remarkable maturity and depth. In later interviews, she revealed that a social worker and psychologist were present on set to ensure her mental and emotional well-being throughout the filming process. Reflecting on the experience, Foster shared, “Playing Iris was challenging, but I always felt safe because Martin (Scorsese) and the entire crew were very protective of me. They handled the story with care and respect.”
Initially, there were concerns about whether Foster, given her age, could convincingly portray such a mature role. However, she quickly dispelled those doubts with her impressive talent and keen understanding of the character. Foster remarked, “People questioned whether I could handle it, but I knew the character inside and out. It wasn’t just about being a victim; Iris had layers, and I wanted to bring those out.” Her performance beautifully balanced the vulnerability and resilience of Iris, marking a major achievement for such a young actor.
Many of Foster’s scenes were with Robert De Niro, who was in the midst of his own rise to prominence. He portrayed the deeply troubled Travis Bickle. Working with De Niro left a lasting impact on Foster. She described him as quiet and highly focused on his role while on set. Instead of offering traditional advice, De Niro guided Foster through subtle prompts. “He didn’t tell me what to do, but he would suggest things like, ‘Try it again, but this time think about what Iris wants from Travis.’ That helped me see the scenes in a new way.” This collaborative approach allowed Foster to dive deeper into her role, bringing new perspectives to her performance.
For De Niro, *Taxi Driver* was a defining film in his career. His portrayal of Travis, an ex-Marine grappling with isolation in the chaotic streets of 1970s New York, was both raw and intense. To prepare for the role, De Niro actually became a licensed taxi driver and spent hours navigating the streets at night. “I wanted to understand the routine, the boredom, the frustration that Travis would feel,” De Niro recalled in an interview. This dedication is evident in his portrayal, with Travis’ growing detachment from society brought to life with gripping realism.
One of the film’s most memorable moments comes when Travis, in front of a mirror, speaks to himself in a now-iconic improvised line: “You talkin’ to me?” De Niro explained, “I was just playing with the idea that Travis was building himself up, rehearsing for something in his mind. It felt natural for the character.” This scene perfectly captures Travis’ inner conflict and has since become one of cinema’s most famous improvised moments.
Director Martin Scorsese viewed *Taxi Driver* as a deeply personal project, using it as a lens through which to explore the decay and rising crime of New York City in the 1970s. The city itself became a character in the film, symbolizing chaos and alienation. Scorsese praised De Niro’s immersive performance, saying, “Robert became Travis completely. Watching him was both captivating and unsettling.” The director also highlighted the significance of Bernard Herrmann’s score, which enhanced the film’s eerie tone. “The music felt like another character in the film, heightening the sense of isolation and turmoil,” Scorsese noted. Herrmann’s score, his final work before passing away, amplified the film’s tense and haunting atmosphere.
Foster’s portrayal of Iris and De Niro’s embodiment of Travis helped *Taxi Driver* transcend its time, creating a film that still resonates today. Themes of loneliness, alienation, and frustration with society remain relevant, and the performances continue to captivate new audiences. Foster’s breakthrough role and De Niro’s intense dedication, paired with Scorsese’s distinct vision, have cemented *Taxi Driver* as a classic, standing the test of time as one of the most influential films in cinematic history.
with thanks to the post on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment