Jodie Foster

One of the most talented actresses of her generation, Jodie Foster is a true inspiration. As intelligent as she is attractive, Foster has managed to make some truly memorable films. In The Accused she portrayed a rape victim trying to seek justice against her abusers despite having no one to defend her honour. It was a truly difficult film to watch, but her performance was incredibly moving. She earned her first Oscar in 1998 for that role.

Then in 1991 came The Silence Of The Lambs. Foster’s amazing performance as Clarice Starling was sensitive, damaged, and relatable. For me it was Foster that made the film what it was, and not Anthony Hopkins for his demented role as Hannnibal Lecter. Without a capable actress to offset all the chaos of such a film there would have been no redemption for the viewer. Her humanity, and likability grounded a film where women were victims, and the men were liars, and murderers. It is one of my favourite films; especially because of the scene where she tells Dr. Lecter about the lambs. Its a very moving scene. She won her second Oscar for this film.

Another solid performance (despite the film itself not being grand) she had was in Nell. I loved the innocence of her character. I was disappointed to learn after seeing the film in theatres back in 1994 that she hadn’t in fact created the dialect for her character as it had been reported. None the less she was great in the film. Its a shame the producers felt the need to make a social commentary about modern living at the expense of the project. A ludicrous monologue her character makes at the end of the film ruins the authenticity she tried to give the entire project.

In 1997 came Contact. A brilliant film I still watch with amazement and wonder. Being a dreamer I have seen few films tackle such a heavy subject with childlike curiosity. A woman who loses both of her parents at a very young age spends her life trying to make contact with other life in the universe. As a child I spent many hours lying on my back staring at the sky, just watching the stars in nighttime. I wondered what might be out there. This film always make me remember those days with great appreciation. Her performance is very moving. I first saw it on my visit home to Nova Scotia in 1997. That visit was the last time I saw my father in person.

Although she made many films since then, it wasn’t until I saw The Brave One in 2007 that I felt that powerful sensation from one of her performances again. A woman gets assaulted while her partner is murdered in front of her. She takes the law into her own hands and goes after the men responsible for her life falling apart. In the end its a personal judgement call on whether or not she was just in her decisions. I feel she was.

These are my favourite Jodie Foster performances. I think she’s truly gifted.

I have a lot of respect for her wanting a personal life out of the spotlight. Frankly I could care less what sexuality she is. She is an actress that makes wonderful films. That is all I need to know about her.

cheers,

Adrienne M. Leigh