Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson and crew on the set of the film "The Beaver." - Ken Regan/Summit Entertainment

Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson and crew on the set of the film "The Beaver."

Ken Regan/Summit Entertainment

Jodie Foster

Director, producer and two-time Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster joins Diane for a conversation about the challenges she faced with her new film and a conversation about her life on screen.

Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson in "The Beaver." It's the story of Walter Black, who was once a successful toy executive and family man but now suffers from from an extreme case of depression. It costs him everything...until the day he finds a beaver hand puppet. It begins to control his life. Jodie Foster calls the film "perhaps the biggest struggle of my professional career." Diane has a conversation with director, producer and actor Jodie Foster.

Guests

Jodie Foster

American actress, film director and producer.

Video Extra

Actor and director Jodie Foster talks about how important sound is to her process and says that if she could have chosen an alternative career, she probably would have liked to try radio hosting:

"The Beaver" Trailer

Comments

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Did you have any reservations working with Mel Gibson given his statements of prejudice towards the Jewish community?

April 8, 2011 - 7:53 pm

I'd love to hear Ms. Foster talk about her approach to being both in the film and the film's director. Aside from directing the cast, how does she direct herself? It must be extremely challenging to play both roles.

April 11, 2011 - 9:26 am

Kudos to Jodie Foster. Giving a shout out and pitch to her great directorial debut (and acting co-star) film "Little Man Tate."

April 11, 2011 - 10:31 am

Having loved the diversity of your work and your outstanding talent for all of your career, since we are about the same age, I am curious about a series of "dark" films - Panic Room, Flight Plan and The Brave One - and I wonder if that collection of work reflected a "dark" period for you or if you were simply looking to explore darker sides of the roles. Unlike some of your other roles, the women you've prtrayed have been "put down" but were empowered in different ways and these women seemed to have been empowered by countering violence with violence. I am curious about your evolution as an actress and in your selection of these roles.

April 11, 2011 - 11:18 am

Jodie Foster is a tremendous actor. I have sen and loved all her work. All should see her in Nell. Checkout the scene of her in the back seat of a car; she sees a boy on the street as they drive by. It is an unforgettable scene.
My best regards to you and Jodi.

Joe

April 11, 2011 - 11:25 am

One of the creepiest movies I have ever seen was her movie "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane" - still have nightmares. Very dark movie for a young actor to do.

April 11, 2011 - 11:25 am

I love Ms. Foster's work, especially the work she did in her younger days. Wondering if she could comment a bit on the Disney movie she did way-back-when, "Candleshoe?" As a child, and indeed--even now, I loved the mix of mystery/history/adventure and comedy. Definitely a movie I will share with my own young daughters in a few more years.

Take care and stay strong,

Jeremy, Urbana, Maryland

April 11, 2011 - 11:27 am

Ms. Foster, one of my most favorite movies of all time is "Home for the Holidays" that stars an amazing ensemble of great actors--brava on the casting! I watch this at least once a year, near Thanksgiving, of course, and share it with friends. You captured and present beautifully the beauty, hilarity and, sometimes, profound sadness that lies in the heart of so many families. Thanks so much for all your great work!

April 11, 2011 - 11:29 am

"Home for the Holidays" is a favorite, one I watch every year while I am cooking on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving day. It feels fresh at every viewing, and also helps me brace up for my own family conclave the next day.

Foster has a remarkable ability to portray the goodness and value of family members, despite their faults and mistakes. But her films are not just "feel-good" movies - they seem too real for that description.

April 11, 2011 - 11:29 am

Your movie, The Accused, is one of my favorites. Any comments about how you feel about this powerful story about abuse and a woman's struggle for truth against the system? thank you for being who you are, making a statement about being a human.
Robin

April 11, 2011 - 11:33 am

Your movie, The Accused, is one of my favorites. Any comments about how you feel about this powerful story about abuse and a woman's struggle for truth against the system? Thank you for being who you are, making a statement about being your own person.

April 11, 2011 - 11:35 am

Love, Love, Love Candleshoe. Looks like the kind of movie that would have been a blast to make.

-Matt, St. Louis

April 11, 2011 - 11:42 am

Jodie,

I so recall first seeing you with Martin Sheen in the movie "The Little Girl Who Lived Down the Lane. I was very impressed with both your and Martin and knew for sure you and he would both be stars.

Thanks for all the entertaining hours over the years.

Lynda lindsey

April 11, 2011 - 11:47 am

Jodie, I am a long time fan of yours and it's a thrill to hear you on Diane's show. I have always thought Nell was one of your most wonderful films. I wonder if you could talk about your involvement, what you thought and felt about it? You did such a wonderful job. One obscure scene that has always struck me was the one where you connect with the wife of the sheriff (sheriff? other role?). Thanks for your work.

April 11, 2011 - 11:52 am

Jodie gave a beautiful French speaking performance in A Very Long Engagement. Plans for similar roles?

April 11, 2011 - 11:55 am

I am wondering about Ms. Foster's view of the coverage of the rape of the 11 year old girl in Paris, Texas. A lot of blame has been placed on the young woman because of dress and actions; a lot of the outrage has come from the fact that the victim was 11. I have outrage over the situation due to the fact that the young woman is being attacked, not only because she's 11 but because she's is being vilified... regardless of age.

April 11, 2011 - 11:56 am

Jodie, I am an identical twin and I cried for at least a week after watching Nell. I wish I could watch it again because it was so amazing... maybe someday!

April 11, 2011 - 11:56 am

I only caught the tale end of the broadcast at lunch, but will listen to it in its entirety on-line. Love what you did in Home for the Holidays, one of my all time favs even though you're not on screen, also, thank you for doing Stealing Home. I love the way you played that free spirited character, you "steal" every scene you are in. Keep doing the great work, we're always rooting for you.

Also, thanks for standing up and coming out. I surmise it was more necessary for the kids sake than for yourself, and although you did it in a very understated way, which is understandable, it's still greatly appreciated!

April 11, 2011 - 1:27 pm

Jodie _ I have always admired your work. As a gay man I wonder how you feel about Mel Gibson's homophobic remarks, especially since you are living an alternative lifestyle too.

April 11, 2011 - 1:35 pm

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April 17, 2011 - 3:52 am

Unfortunatly Time ran out before I could speak with Jody. My brother Bob Kiss use to photograph you and it would have been fun to catch you up on Bob's life and say HI for him. I always hoped I'l run in to you on Ile de France when I walked around Paris. Any way it would be great to say Hi if you ever have time to e-mail. I met you once when I( was with Bob in NYC. The best to you and family.

April 19, 2011 - 1:04 pm

Dreams from the Heart

Each new dawn of the morning.
Each new sun here my center it you move.
And as it crosses the sky of your dream.
Dreams from the heart part the leaves.
There, I have hidden it to long from our song.
And saying this to me, I have said.
And in leaving I came there from you.
Nothing from you was that long.
As deep as the sky endless sea.
Us being you,
if I were to leave if ever you leave, would I die?

Create Date : Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Is It Poetry

May 4, 2011 - 9:14 am

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