Jodie Foster takes on a new challenge in her career with a leading role in the film A Private Life, directed by Rebecca Zlotowski. Marking her first performance in French, Foster portrays Dr. Lilian Steiner, an American psychoanalyst in Paris whose life spirals after the mysterious death of a patient. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival, unveils a different side of Foster — one that is more fragile and humorous than her previous characters.
In A Private Life, Foster navigates a complex narrative that delves into her character’s fractured family relationships and her bond with an ex-husband, played by French actor Daniel Auteuil. Foster stated, “It took me a long time to find the right project… this script is really good for me.” She appreciates the film’s ability to blend various genres, remarking on the freedom French filmmakers have to explore diverse storytelling styles without being confined to a specific genre.
Foster’s portrayal of Lilian is marked by a newfound vulnerability. She explains that acting in French alters her performance style, making it softer and filled with anxiety. “I have a different personality because I’m not as confident,” she noted. This departure from her traditionally strong characters, such as the determined survivors in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, adds depth to her latest role.
The film shifts from romantic comedy elements to Hitchcockian mystery, allowing Foster to explore a range of emotions. She reflects on the unique storytelling approach in France, where there is more room for character development without the constraints often found in Hollywood. “It’s something we don’t allow ourselves to do in the United States,” she said.
A pivotal moment in the film occurs during a rain-soaked car ride between Lilian and Gabriel, her ex-husband. In this scene, she confronts him with a question she has avoided for years: “So why’d you leave me? The truth this time.” This moment encapsulates the emotional core of the film and resonates deeply with Foster, who sees it as a culmination of years of tension.
Throughout her career, Foster has often portrayed women under pressure, striving to be heard. “I think my whole life I’ve compartmentalized — it was a survival mechanism as a child actor,” she explained. This instinct was honed early on, particularly after facing intense public scrutiny following an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981, which was linked to her performance in Taxi Driver.
Now at 61, Foster finds herself in a renaissance period, embracing new roles that challenge her artistic range. In 2023’s Nyad, she played Bonnie Stoll, earning her first Oscar nomination in nearly three decades. She also starred in the acclaimed HBO series True Detective: Night Country, winning her first Emmy award.
“I feel freer now,” she shares, noting that her recent projects have allowed her to explore humor alongside dramatic roles. This evolution marks a significant shift for an actress who has long been associated with serious, composed characters.
As she reflects on her journey, Foster expresses a desire to continue working in France. “It feels like such an escape from myself,” she said. With A Private Life, she not only uncovers new facets of her talent but also reaffirms her commitment to portraying complex, relatable characters. This film represents a significant chapter in her storied career, one that invites audiences to see her in a light they have not previously experienced.