Since hitting the big screens back in the ’70s, Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver has cemented itself as one of the most influential films of all time. Apart from its impeccable cinematography, Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score, and Robert De Niro’s masterful acting, the film further benefits from Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Iris.
But playing the part of an underage s-x worker turned out to be a hassle for the 12-year-old Foster, as she recalled going under psychological evaluation to be deemed fit for the role.
The Board of Education Was Initially Against Jodie Foster’s Involvement in Taxi Driver
By the time she was selected to helm the controversial gig, Jodie Foster had already made a name for herself in showbiz and even collaborated with Martin Scorsese on 1974’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. But while the True Detective star was unperturbed by the material she had to work with, the Board of Education didn’t initially see the 12-year-old fit for the role of Iris and refused to give Foster her work permit.
It wasn’t until they hired a lawyer and Foster went under hours-long test with a psychiatrist that she was finally given her permit.
The Board of Education didn’t want to give me a work permit. Every time a young actor has to do a movie, they have to get a work permit. They said no, I couldn’t have one, and we hired a lawyer and they decided to determine whether I was psychologically sane enough to play the part, and I guess I passed!
This isn’t to say the actress didn’t have her issues with the role, which stemmed from Iris’ wardrobe choice.
Iris’ Wardrobe Drove Jodie Foster to Tears
Being a tomboy, who preferred to “wore knee socks” as a kid, Iris’ shorts, platform shoes, and halter tops brought the True Detective star to tears on set. Inspired by a real-life S-x worker Garth Avery’s costume, whom screenwriter Paul Schrader stumbled upon during the film’s pre-production phase, Foster was absolutely mortified by Ruth Morley’s wardrobe selection for Iris.
The hot pants and the dumb hat and the sunglasses. That was the first day that, I believe it was Ruth Morley, the costume designer, the first day I cried. Then I was absolutely mortified
While Iris’ wardrobe was everything she hated, Foster eventually got over it, and despite Robert De Niro‘s masterful acting, she didn’t get overshadowed by the film’s grey lead.
Taxi Driver is available to rent on Apple TV.
