For as much as Martin Scorsese's 1976 classic "Taxi Driver" pushes you directly into the darkest parts of the human experience, few things are as disturbing as the character of preteen sex worker Iris (Jodie Foster). Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), the titular driver, spots her early on in a haunting glimpse from the taxi window, just one horrifying part of the movie's grim and grimy texture. But in the movie's second half, we get to know her better, as Travis devotes his violent energy and obsessiveness to the mission of her rescue, knowing (and maybe even hoping) he will likely die as a result.
Because of Iris's complex and deeply sad situation, there was a great deal of sensitivity involved in bringing the character to life. Foster was just 12 years old when cast in the film, and the character of Iris was a far cry from the typical expectations of a child star.
Because of Iris's complex and deeply sad situation, there was a great deal of sensitivity involved in bringing the character to life. Foster was just 12 years old when cast in the film, and the character of Iris was a far cry from the typical expectations of a child star.
- 1/7/2024
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
Jodie Foster's starring role as a child sex worker in "Taxi Driver" was the most controversial character in her long career, but it wasn't the dark subject matter that scared the young actress the most. Foster already had several years of work under her belt at age 12, having landed small parts in television like "The Addams Family" and films like Martin Scorsese's "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." Just two years after her first collaboration with the "Goodfellas" director, the pair teamed up again to make "Taxi Driver." But despite being the best actress ever, one aspect of the role was so challenging for Foster that it brought her to tears.
There's a lot about "Taxi Driver" that's unconventional, from the dark subject matter to the groundbreaking cinematography, and the performances were no exception. Scorsese wanted Iris to feel authentic, so he drew inspiration from a few sources, including Foster herself.
There's a lot about "Taxi Driver" that's unconventional, from the dark subject matter to the groundbreaking cinematography, and the performances were no exception. Scorsese wanted Iris to feel authentic, so he drew inspiration from a few sources, including Foster herself.
- 12/24/2023
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
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