In conversation with... Jodie Foster, on The Silence of the Lambs | BFI

Producer, director and actor Jodie Foster joins Edith Bowman to talk about her starring role as FBI agent Clarice Starling in Jonathan Demme's classic thriller, The Silence of the Lambs. Foster talks about lobbying for the part and Starling's importance as a feminist film icon.
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[@lisabrown6280]

No one could have played Clarice better than Jodi Foster. Period.

[@mariojack]

Glenda Jackson and Bette Davis would've been perfect for that role in their younger days.

[@johnnyceasar211]

I hear they wanted Billy Ray's daughter but she was busy at a butterfly brainwashing ultra camp at the time. What? Who said that?

[@homegown1234]

That is correct. I actually felt what she was feeling during her performance. Despite going to the movie during the afternoon, and when I movie was over, I was still frightened to realized that there could be people out there watching you so one should pay attention to your surrounding which I became more aware of my environment and not take things for granted. That is what I took from this movie to learn to protect yourself and not be naive anymore. I had one close call later around 2005 when I went to the movies after work during the day, and I had someone call me out from a parked car to come close to their car - When I heard a male voice, I had my keys in my hands and race directly to my car and drove away quickly without even acknowledging who this person was calling me to come near to him. This movie, "Silence of The Lamb" made me aware to be careful which there is evil out there, but it is up to us to take care of ourselves no matter what our age and to train our children to be aware of what is going on around us. Lesson learned.

[@lucyhanks500]

@@homegown1234must of been the film where Jodie read the SKU numbers from the bible without investigating anomalies in profit turnover and the saving of Kathleen; but it’s strange how paying lip service to somebody’s experiment makes them feel like a god and what does god allow and find correct? Suppose the next placed beast if burden, will be the human suffering and cruelty experienced to carry abomination; Yet growing a home never seemed that difficult for everybody, so autonomous independence is another bone of contention and what with the hierarchy of needs being what it is the body doesn’t appear to be getting shorter even whilst it stands alone against manny strange odds deemed unfortunate circumstances.

[@SteveBlom]

Jodie is amazing but the interviewer does a great job in asking the right questions and not stomping on her answers. Very enjoyable interview.

[@heresjohnny5307]

It's nice to see a woman aging naturally in Hollywood, rare these days. Such a fantastic actress and a great conversation.

[@ritahorvath8207]

I thought "oh my god, she has wrinkles on her forehead, how rare and beautyful ! " ♡

[@ENFPerspectives]

Agreed

[@jaysonwilliams2485]

Delusional match chemical peel City b****

[@dereksmallsuk]

Yip. She's still a honey

[@podatrb3360]

She doesn't really need it, she's always been cute.

[@uptown3636]

In this interview, Foster's intelligence just sparkles. What a sharp, insightful mind.

[@steviecarlcompose9487]

Desperately?.. Hannibal?

[@J.Cubbin]

Could listen to her talk all day.

[@MrParkerman6]

That's what he said!

[@robertstirman1736]

James Moore VOCALS me too. Such a brilliant woman

[@mbez110b2]

She’s a genius. She would’ve been outstanding in whatever career field she chose. I’m glad she chose acting. Her confidence and natural beauty give charisma.

[@TimDyck]

Jodie Foster is one of the greatest actresses of our age. On screen you don’t see Foster, just the character, Sarah Tobias and Clarice Starling are so completely different people yet you can’t see any Josie Foster in either, she completely becomes the character. From Iris to Jean Thomas she has played so many parts but has completely become each one.

[@kattoneycliffe6715]

& Nell! JF was BRILLIANT in that movie 🎥!!!!

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

This woman and her razor sharp intelligence

[@Sealust50]

Jodie Foster, the little girl, was in a lot of ways just as sharp in intelligence. She ALWAYS seemed to be WAY ahead of all the other child actors/actresses.

[@litote9]

How would you know?

[@scottinbristol]

Its all relative to Edith Bowman Im afraid

[@oppothumbs1]

@@Sealust50 biology and environment strikes again .

[@johndean4727]

@@litote9 we know who isn't.

[@angiegreen6366]

Jodie is something to behold, such eloquence,awareness of her words and sooo succinct. I could watch silence of the lamb every month or two and still be riveted to my seat.

[@MrUndersolo]

Glad she did this... The world is much more interesting with her in it...

[@ciaran82359]

LOL...

[@adrianhempfing2042]

I'm having an old friend for dinner Best line Cuts away to dr chilton

[@Stefarooh]

I could never imagine Michelle Pffeiffer as Clarice Starling, Demme's first choice. This was Jodie's role. The role of her career.

[@limormarkovzki8451]

Did you see Nell? She is phenomenal!

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Neither didn't Michelle

[@AA-yc8yr]

Pfeiffer would have been perfect for Clarice. In fact, her performance would highly likely have been emotionally subtler.

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

I actually think Pfeiffer could have been surprisingly good in the role. We are just conditioned to not be able to imagine anyone else because Jodie’s performance in the film is iconic.

[@casckettfriki]

I think Pffeiffer would've been amazing, but Jodie's performance is so iconic that we can't imagine anyone else on this role. At least is what happens to me.

[@lindafan1]

Jodie Foster always had a commanding presence in all her films and by this interview in real life, too. Fantastic interview!!

[@j.b.9260]

She's insanely gorgeous.

[@SuperBartles]

I love listening to her talk. She comes across as very bright. But the tiresome feminist rhetoric is a pity. I think that being clever means understanding that life is a good deal more complex than the simplistic political messages you are fed. Today, interestingly, a lot of female roles are much more proactive. But they're almost not real women any more - they're women "kicking ass", being masculine, and I think that's a mistake. Clarice Starling seems by contrast a great character: vulnerable but serious and sincere & brilliantly played by Foster: better than in the (excellent) book by Thomas Harris and better than Julianne Moore.

[@j.b.9260]

She IS insanely gorgeous. Present tense.

[@maraisparis919]

Oh so tiresome--all that "give me liberty or give me death" we had to hear all of our lives about males must have freedom. Simplistic? She is brilliant and speaks for our half of the world still under the thumb.

[@alexandraapjarova2871]

Indeed to all the above! So cool, smart and gorgeous!

[@marktwane6195]

Just like you 😉

[@encarnaruizgarcia3798]

I was seventeen when it was released and I went to see it with my mother. She left us eleven years ago. Nice memories 🌹❤️

[@josephthomaswhiting8417]

What a talent! I love the perspective and intelligence she brings to every level of her work.

[@MrParkerman6]

That's what she said!

[@Lijaskurzeme]

Contact is brilliant on so many levels and for so many reasons. It is utterly profound; and my favorite movie ever.

[@juanmiguel8574]

Contact. Man. I love that movie.

[@nollaigire2367]

Yes I love it too

[@mbez110b2]

Contact is one of those movies that really makes you think. It is Hollywood at its best.

[@jerkedevries]

Amen!

[@jimhaggard7436]

She should’ve won an Oscar for Contact. She was that good. One of my favorite films based on one of favorite science fiction novels of all time.

[@MS-sy2bs]

Jodie was referring to Michelle Pfeiffer as the first pick for the role of Clarice.

[@josephlacerra8433]

Cannot imagine Michelle playing Clarisse.

[@podatrb3360]

Can't think of anyone else in the role.

[@abrilserna658]

@@podatrb3360 and she rejected cause it was to “violent” i mean Scarface wasn’t violent?? Anyway Jodie was the best option

[@AA-yc8yr]

@@abrilserna658 Scarface wasn't violent in the same way, and you know it. And Pfeiffer would have been a great, perhaps better, Clarice. She has emotional depth Foster has never portrayed in film.

[@bsgulka]

⁠@@AA-yc8yras much as I agree with you about seeing Michelle play clarice i disagree with you about Jodie not having emotional depth . There is not just one kind of emotional depth.

[@valmacclinchy]

Jodie is iconic. Yet so humble.

[@robertstirman1736]

This woman is a true artist. Pure genius.

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Lambs in a movie theatre is a WHOLE different experience. Tak Fujomotos incredible photography never got the credit it deserved.

[@ItsChrissieKerr]

I love Jodie Foster, my all time favourite actor. I have such a great respect for her she puts everything into her passion which is acting and directing. She shines through her passion it’s so phenomenal. She’s such a unique actor who really cares so much about her role as the character. It’s so special. This interview was incredible I love to listen to her.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

I love it so much fun making sure most amazing maze in the world part of the same place looks like documentary about biography history and bring them Disney company class starts at VIP tickets tour New oasr awesome picture awards TCM channel on money made into store story about how to get the same time years before New

[@MrParkerman6]

That accent she is so desperately trying to hide! Pure West Virginia!

[@michaelotis223]

IKR! She's such a rube!

[@kb-vw4ki]

She's from LA, that is not a WV accent. I don't hear one actually.

[@doriansimmons6913]

@@kb-vw4ki I guess you never watched the movie. Or you would get the joke.

[@duhusker4383]

@@kb-vw4ki There's always one (who hasn't seen Silence of the Lambs)!

[@kb-vw4ki]

Yes I have, I guess I just don't understand why this particular quote is relevant to the interview.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Jodie Foster is an actor of exceptional talent, depth and beauty who was always ahead of her peers, by the time actors of her age were in their diapers she was making commercials, by the time they learned to speak, she was making movies for Disney, by the time they starting going to the school, she was winning awards and getting nominated for the Oscars, by the time they decided to enter films, Jodie decided to leave it behind and enjoy the ivy league world which she graduated with magna cum laude, by the time her peers had their breakthrough she already had won two Oscars and transitioned to the director's chair. An extraordinary talent, who's contribution to cinema is unparalleled and exquisite. A sheer gift to the world of acting and filmmaking

[@Zebula77]

I recently read the book for the first time after having seen the movie probably 20 times or so. It's astonishing how much of the book is actually in the film. Very, very little is left out. Easily my favourite Oscar winning film ever, and of course, Foster's and Hopkins' roles are a huge part of that.

[@mikebasil4832]

The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane is the movie I first saw you in, Jodie. You are such a great leading lady and character actress. Congratulations for your brilliant career and your beautiful life.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

That's one great movie and performance but Jodie doesn't like that movie

[@Tashygay]

Me too.

[@jmeekselectric]

She is aging very well. Such a classy woman.

[@josemeda4592]

How old is she?

[@josemeda4592]

She appears I'll, doesn't she?

[@brockmeeks1695]

Jose Meda she was born in 1962 so she’s 56 currently. I didn’t think she looked sick. Could have been the travel. Who knows.

[@NRIK1992]

What does aging well even mean in this instance? Still looking attractive?

[@overcomer4226]

She is thin. It helps. I think she is fantastic.

[@richardbooth4573]

I grew up with this actress. from Candleshoe to Anna and the King . An astonishing actress ❤❤❤

[@sagdragon64]

An awesome interview. Great questions. Enjoyed every moment of it. I have seen Jodie Foster on screen since the early 70's. She has always mesmerized me. I was so happy for her Oscar wins. So talented and genuine. A treasure.

[@beachstreet101]

I love listening to her. She’s so intelligent and articulate. I especially love listening to her discuss film. She’s so much more layered with depth than other actors talking about it. Michelle Pfeiffer was the Directors first choice as she acted for him in Married to the Mob and knew what she could do. She turned it down. Then they went to Meg Ryan who also turned it down. Jodie popped up after that and got it. They all would’ve been good though.

[@MsRotorwings]

Jodie had to lobby for it. Meg did not and does not have the depth to be Clarice. Jodie was perfect for it.

[@MrBlackhibee]

She's always been a highly intelligent, interesting person to listen to. I watched her on Letterman once and she was really funny as well, extremely talented individual.

[@ianflawlez]

EASILY my favorite movie of all time. Period

[@kathleencaruanasmith8143]

Such an amazing actress and so beautiful inside and out. and i love the fact that all her roles are very inspiring Her characters always have so much depth and very complex and they always teach you something or bring out something within you. She's never on screen just to be on screen and look "pretty" She represents real people with real flaws and real demons in her roles. Such an inspiration !

[@ryangreen2469]

Enjoyed this immensely, thank you for uploading. Without a doubt, Jodie Foster is one of the most highly intelligent person's I have seen, always respect her as a great actor. She sure has come into her own since her beginning's In Disney movie roles.

[@cass002]

Gosh, she's so inspiring, I love her! So talented and intelligent!

[@ZulcanPrime]

I have watched Jodie Foster since she was a child actress. She did a great job acting in Taxi Driver.

[@traekas7228]

Cpt.Grimsdale Nemo, I liked her best in the movie, “Nell”. Great movie!

[@johnablett6633]

What an articulate and intelligent person she is. A real pleasure to listen to. Respect.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

I so want Jodie to win a 3rd Oscar or get another nomination

[@Rektxtgx]

she has 4 oscars i think

[@oscarfun100]

@@Rektxtgx She's got 2. For The Accused and for this one.

[@rafac7384]

She deserved for Nell (1994)

[@karlexvideos9418]

@@rafac7384 Totally agree!

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

@@Rektxtgx shes the youngest two time winner in Oscar history but I wish she gets that many, especially seeing Frances McDormand winning four awards this year

[@brunaskrzypekbadalotti9349]

Thank you for brining this interview for us. Jodie Foster is amazing, an inspiration

[@spencertaylor1670]

I fell in love with jodie foster in freaky Friday that will never end

[@blinderII]

She's incredibly grounded.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

It's a shame Jodie has slowed down her acting career, she's an absolute legend and one of all-time greats, her cerebral approach to acting is something that makes her stand out, I hope she returns back to acting (especially after seeing the brilliant The Mauritanian) in a bang on way, like Frances McDormand has been doing in the past couple of years, its a shame Jodie hasn't been nominated for an Oscar since 95, she's one of those actors who deserve to win 3 Awards

[@ashleybailey3125]

She is one of the true greats! And so humble she just doesn’t come across like a Hollywood person, if that makes sense?! She’s so engaging in interview

[@veronikahk1826]

I keep rewatching this film.EPIC and it was the first ever Thriller nominated for an Oscar but its Genius directing and acting and OF COURSE awesome Script

[@gwynevans6440]

I know this is why none of us are here, but Bowman is a fantastic interviewer. More of her please!

[@vinniemoran7362]

Jonathan Demme had Michelle Pfeiffer in mind, specially after their collaboration on the amazing "Married To The Mob" had paid off so well. Author Thomas Harris's description of Starling as "an icy sunset of a girl" suited Pfeiffer better back then. Of course, can't think of anyone but Jodie in the role now.

[@LyricalKnight1]

Jodie Foster was my favourite actor and film producer in the 90s, hands down. What a brilliant, powerhouse of a woman! Give this beautiful legend her flowers now!

[@bluestrife28]

I know she’s picky about her roles so I am always so grateful when she does a new one because she’s like a rare gem. She’s one of those actors you hardly ever see anymore that 100% lives their roles and creates something amazing every time. I know it’s pretty recent but man I loved her as Delacourt in Elysium, such a scene stealer!

[@ryanburns6284]

Love the way she says "Lecter"

[@CDBthe3rd]

There never has been, and there never will be, another insanely unique talent like Jodie Foster. I’d kill to have her polished skill and self control.

[@spnhm34]

A true star, captivating in performance and as herself

[@thundergrace]

Anthony Hopkins was so good.

[@MrParkerman6]

That's what she said!

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

But not as good as miss foster

[@johnbull1568]

He's better in Westworld. It's an acting masterclass.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Hannibal Lector and Anthony Hopkins are so overrated. Manhunter was so much better than Red Dragon despite the schlock because it wasn't all about Hannibal Lector and Anthony Hopkins. And don't get me started on Hannibal. It was Thomas Harris's weakest book by far because it was all about Lector to a degree none of his other books were about their killers. It's like Jaws. Jaws was a good movie because it wasn't actually about the shark but the sequels were garbage because the frocused on the monster. Manhunter and Silence were good movies because they weren't actually about Lector.

[@jy4283]

Jeffrey Fisher i dont think they r overrated but I wish Jodie was in Hannibal if would of gotten better ratings

[@nanci2571]

Great to see a true beauty.Shes a hard working lady. Down to earth also.

[@thetommyknockerman7193]

Amazing, accomplished woman. She's classy, smart, funny, and a spectacular actress.

[@letivon6589]

Hannibal wasn´t a real sequel without Jodie.

[@aragornthebrave]

It wasn't the same, but I thought it was an excellent sequel nonetheless.

[@imonymous]

One could argue she wasn't in it because it wasn't a real sequel.

[@qwertymanor]

hannibal isn't good anyway

[@Chameleonardodavinci]

Its shlock, Antony is the only virtue. Red dragon is cool though

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

Julianne Moore’s performance lacked the delicacy and nuance of Jodie’s

[@mikebear7636]

I love Jodie so much, she's brilliant :-)

[@darnitthelma4247]

Ageing gracefully. She has obviously taken care of herself mentally & physically.Humble intelligent & beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. Good for you Jodie😊

[@stevewheeler8640]

I don't know who the other actress was that was to play Clarice, but it's impossible (for me anyway) to think of anyone else in that role.

[@blanchefan]

It was Michelle Pheifer (sp?); but Michelle decided it was too scary and dark for her--

[@ruthmansell3249]

I think Meg Ryan was rumoured too? I like her but nooooo!

[@ZATennisFan]

Clarice Starling is Jodie's role.... If they ever do a remake I will probably not watch it...... Noone else can do it....

[@plasticweapon]

@@blanchefan michelle pfeifer sucks.

[@andyostertag]

You are both impressive individuals. Great questions, and wonderful thoughtful responses. Thank you for sharing

[@bettyhastie4194]

This woman is by far one the GREATEST actors and director of all time. She has such humility and such genuineness. Love love this woman!!! 👏💖👏💖👏💖👏

[@lakb45]

How delightful to hear an intelligent woman speak. And what talent! It sounded like she had to bring out the entire performance from within herself (in Silence of the Lambs).

[@mediacenterman8583]

Thank you BFI for making this possible. Next up please invite David Lynch .

[@melongenie1030]

haha can't see david lynch doing this

[@jackiehardy4965]

mediacenter man

[@felarcade887]

Nobody could played Clarice, or Lecter or Bufallo Bill better than the guys who finally did it, absolutly amazing performances

[@jamesheath7601]

I could listen to Jodie Foster talk all day every day

[@dsantamaria713]

Professional, brilliant, and one of my favorite Artists...❤

[@YannLL]

She is so fascinating to listen to, impossible not to watch the whole interview!

[@jayceewriter7826]

Great film chat with an actress and director who always brings the A game

[@encinobalboa]

I just read the history on this film. To say Jodie was not the first choice is an understatement.

[@danielcarter491]

Absolutely adore this lady. She is such a class act. Never heard a judgmental word come out of her mouth. EDIT: By the way, I also did see Nell some years ago. It is a good movie - something different - and made 20 years ago. It has Jody, Liam Neeson and Liam's wife, the late Natasha Richardson.

[@clash5j]

I love Jodie. I can't think about Silence of the Lambs without also thinking about Seven. I love both. I've always wondered if the genesis for Seven had already begun pre-Silence, or if it came about in an attempt to ride the "serial killer" wave after the success of Silence. Anyway, both are amazing.

[@awalk5177]

Jodie Forster seems to me to be a brilliant actor and director. She comes across as being so intelligent, yet grounded and aware of reality, rather than being a Hollywood product. I also think Edith Bowman did a brilliant job of showing us who Jodie Foster really is, by asking the right questions.

[@adamhester8751]

Jodie was in loads of kids films i watched when i was a kid. She has always been a great actress. We're the same age

[@johndean4727]

Yes Freaky Friday and Candleshoe.

[@thundergrace]

Amazing facts about silence of the lambs...

[@lorlama6139]

I saw this in the movies, May 1991, back when hit movies stayed on the big screens for months. Anyway the LOML took me, one of our first dates, so not only was it a wonderful movie/it will always be my favorite memory. RIP KK. ❤️

[@dereksmallsuk]

I've watched all the Thomas Harris films many times. ....Just read Silence of the lambs the book. It's amazing.

[@karenrobinson735]

Clarice was it for me. I’ve watched the movie many times. Appreciate the film more after listening to Jodie. Foster is brilliant!

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

Jodie rarely talks politics in interviews and she comes closer in this interview to talking politics, in a subtle way, than I think I’ve ever seen.

[@watsonaqua4560]

Jodi Foster is a super star and intellectual. Hands down.

[@doublelightangel]

Wow, interesting to hear why they wanted to have a British actor for Lector!! I love this film, both Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are so intense and amazing.

[@candacebreeze6764]

Jodie Foster. In Silence of the Lambs, your eyes marveled me.

[@hayleycomet8029]

She's so amazing - I watch Silence all the time :)

[@thenailtechfiles7935]

Me too!

[@onepcwhiz]

I saw it in the theater!

[@spotteddog1716]

onepcwhiz ME2!

[@janhaggard7564]

Omgosh she's talking about "NELL" I absolutely loved this movie🎊🎉

[@Channel-ew9dr]

One of the greats! To my mind, she's got the best filmography in recent Hollywood. Brilliant in every way.

[@HunterSlayer2727]

There's a reason I love Silence of The Lambs so much and hate Hannibal so much, because Jodie Foster and the quality of the script/story was gone. Jodie made that first movie, Clarice was such an interesting female lead and I wish more films would channel the energy Jodie bought to it. She wasn't a cliche strong female character, she was just as iconic as Lecter/Anthony.

[@Cml725]

I absolutely love her! ♥

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Jodie Foster is the greatest actress ever

[@pattimaeda6097]

Meryl Streep

[@nicolesong6199]

This interviewer could have asked better questions too. Foster’s answer to what Starling meant for her is very interesting.

[@beaminge]

You know actors who play interesting characters but come across vacuous in interviews? I love how Jodie Foster is the opposite of that.

[@Afrimusican]

Truly opposite. This woman is wonderfully smart

[@ludvig5597]

She's playing uninteresting characters?

[@nicolesong6199]

Lmao rip her characters

[@nicolesong6199]

Except clarice starling, who is voted the best American heroine

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Absolutely!! Jodie is a hands down genius

[@karllarenz3227]

A very good interview. She is as beautiful as she is intelligent.❤

[@christineyetman640]

Love Jodie Foster....I have been a fan from the beginning..she truly is a legend

[@podatrb3360]

Nice hearing a literate from Hollywood, rare indeed.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

She hasn't changed much at all in 27 years. Looks like no plastic surgery either.

[@MrParkerman6]

Nope, none.

[@pattimaeda6097]

Botox though

[@zimzimzalabim]

oh your naive eyes deceive you, she's definitely had work done. It's subtle but it's there, because not everyone goes crazy with botox, fillers and nosejobs.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

It's frustrating how sporadic she has made her acting appearances, I saw Hotel Artemis recently and I wish that film was seen more coz Jodie's performance is a treasure in it

[@mediacenterman8583]

Less is more

[@kambo63]

I loved Hotel Artemis!

[@Dancestar1981]

@@mediacenterman8583 she has done quite a bit of directing though

[@ramkrishnayadav2326]

Jodie Foster is one of my favourite actors of all time.

[@saturns2749]

The inspiration they bring to things you can really tell she struggles with how to word herself verbally guess it doesn’t get any easier for some people no matter how long you’ve been doing it for

[@laurielynne2006]

I would have loved to have seen this in the theatre! I think I was 9 or 10 when it came out tho 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@alexwallace6120]

I think she is an extraordinary and gifted actress. she made the difficult and awkward transition from child actress, to teenage actress to adult. I have see most of her films, some of the later one's I didn't like. I love her part in Stealing home. She is an ok director.

[@malenurse51]

Legendary actor.

[@nicolesong6199]

Her answer for Nell! Fantastic

[@DiganneVilia]

she's so captivating

[@lthammox]

Best actor of her generation.