Jodie Foster picks two movies everyone should watch at least once
Jodie Foster has made a remarkable transition from actor to director, leaving a significant mark of quality in the film industry in the process. Renowned for her Academy Award-winning performances in films such as Silence of the Lambs, Foster has also demonstrated excellence numerous times from the director’s chair.
As a director, Foster’s journey began with Little Man Tate, a drama exploring themes of childhood and genius, earning praise for its sensitive portrayal of complex characters. Foster’s subsequent directorial efforts, including Home for the Holidays and The Beaver, demonstrated her ability to tackle diverse subjects with nuance and insight.
When it comes to the directing prowess of her peers, Foster readily and publicly acknowledges her favourites, which range from straight-up action to drama and comedy. Recently, she praised Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece Barbie, stating that she “couldn’t be prouder” to watch her fellow director achieve acclaim for her thought-provoking piece, adding, “Not only was this wonderful director recognised, but it was because there were people behind her saying, ‘You’re not a risk.’”
Foster also spoke out about the evolving attitudes towards women in the industry, explaining, “When I was young, there were really no American women directors, maybe a few. I didn’t think I was allowed to be a director. And that’s not true anymore.” As a trailblazer in the film industry, Foster’s achievements serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions on par with their male counterparts, a theme mirrored in the narrative of Barbie.
Elsewhere, Foster has also discussed the films the feels everybody should see at least once. Speaking Interview, she answered: “Well, Everything Everywhere All at Once,” adding, “Oh, and this is probably number one—the puppet movie Team America: World Police.” These choices come as no surprise, particularly as the former swiftly ascended to the top of numerous lists and clinched the Best Picture award in 2023.
Alongside enjoying thought-provoking stories that challenge the human condition, Foster clearly also enjoys the more comedic films that offer nothing more than a light-hearted, enjoyable experience. As she explained: “A sense of humour is my touchstone, and I have a very dumb sense of humour. Sometimes with actors, even in the most dramatic circumstances, I like to laugh with them. I like to laugh about really intense things.”
The director also gave her take on the current state of filmmaking, expressing optimism regarding where the landscape is headed and the approach that so many are taking to tell genuinely good, endearing stories. She said, “We have to be open to change, and there are new things that are happening even on the studio side with these massive tentpole movies where there are extraordinary visual digital geniuses who are creating things that we could never have dreamed of.”
