Not many actresses attract audiences to the theatre like Jodie Foster. Since the 1990’s, Foster has become an icon. Whether its FBI officers, radio astronomers or sexual assault survivors, Foster has proven she can portray various characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Silence of the Lambs
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of a psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. A gruesome incidence of violence, my housemaid’s murder left my family stunned in silence. As someone haunted by a murder that stunned my family in silence, I loved “Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jodie Foster’s Oscar-winning film has stood the test of time as one of the greatest serial killer movies ever made. In the greatest role of her career, Foster embodies a fierce feminist detective investigating serial killers evoking fear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Foster is one of those actresses that has excelled at conveying emotions through silence, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased her strengths as a performer. Working alongside Anthony Hopkins who is also amazing, Foster creates a female detective that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter in their first memorable meeting together remains one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Silence of the Lambs” Jodie Foster’s greatest film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about detectives seeking to investigate cannibalistic serial killers that are frightening, it’s an inspiring reminder about a commemorated actress whose timeless movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
2. Taxi Driver
Loneliness has impacted by personality. Ever since I was a young child, I have always found it a struggle to interact with people. Being an Autistic person, I’ve often found social interactions in life challenging. Due towards my preference for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to encapsulate my feelings of loneliness as powerfully as “Taxi Driver”. Released in 1976, Jodie Foster’s masterpiece captured the lives of lonely taxi drivers in New York City. In the most provocative role of her career, Foster embodies a child prostitute that develops a strong bond with a taxi driver carrying a burden to bear. Foster has always excelled at communicating emotions through her body language, and her strengths as an actress are evident in “Taxi Driver”. For instance, the scene in which Iris expresses her worldviews on child prostitution during a date with Travis Bickle in a restaurant is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about loneliness which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of loneliness causing taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about an actress whose movies audiences appreciate.
3. Panic Room
Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, I was locked up in rooms for injuring my cousin in fights causing sorrow. After I injured my cousin with a broom, my mother locked me up in an isolated room. In a situation filled with gloom, I recall thinking it was unlikely I would escape the room. As someone haunted by memories of being locked up in an isolated room, I loved “Panic Room”. Released in 2002, Jodie Foster’s movie depicted a mother and daughter isolated in a claustrophobic room. In the most anxious role of his career, Foster embodies a courageous mother striving to protect her daughter when her house is invaded by burglars that are dangerous. Foster excels at playing strong female characters with bravery, and “Panic Room” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Meg discovers that intruders have entered her house causing panic is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Panic Room” a masterpiece its its message. The film delivers a strong message about isolation which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of tragic hardships faced by families in isolated rooms causing panic, it’s a strong reminder of an actress that has built a legacy that’s iconic.
4. Contact
Alien invasions are frightening disasters that have always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I developed a bond with a teacher that had lifelong fear of alien invasions causing damage. He would often fear the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. I respected a teacher that gave me appreciation for alien movies. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher afraid of extra-terrestrial contact, I loved “Contact”. Released in 1997, Jodie Foster’s movie captured astronomers seeking to communicate with aliens. In the most methodical role of her career, Foster embodies an intelligent radio astronomer seeking to communicate with aliens evoking fear. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her strengths for playing female characters in positions of authority. For instance, the scene in which Ellie breaks down in tears in court showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Contact” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about communication which resonates with everyone. A captivating portrait of astronomers seeking to make extra-terrestrial contact, it’s a compelling reminder about a commemorated actress whose movies have had a massive impact.
5. The Accused
Rape is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with an aunt that held strong views against sexual assault. She was a feminist without a doubt that was never afraid to speak out about sensitive social issues she was passionate about. In a country where women were often mistreated, she advocated for women’s rights through strong messages she communicated. As someone that always admired an aunt showcasing views against women being abused, I appreciated “The Accused”. Released in 1988, Jodie Foster’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting rape. In the most courageous role of her career, Foster embodies a sexual assault survivor facing despair. It’s a role that gave Foster the chance to showcase vulnerability she hadn’t shown in her career before. For instance, the scene in which Sarah testifies in court about the rape is one of the greatest moments of her career. Ultimately, what makes “The Accused” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about sexual assault which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships that sexual assault survivors face, it’s a strong reminder about a celebrated actress whose movies audiences embrace.
6. The Mauritanian
When it comes to the most shocking cases of wrongful conviction in U.S. history, it’s worth discussing Mohamedou Ould Slahi. A Mauritania native, Slahi spent 14 years in Guantanamo Bay without charges of crime. Slahi’s unjust mistreatment by the U.S. government has become a depressing stain on America’s history. In 2021, Jodie Foster did an exceptional job of honouring the Mauritanian prisoner in her film “The Mauritanian”. In the most commanding role of her career, Foster embodies a lawyer seeking to fight for a prisoner facing despair. It’s a role that gave Foster a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing women in positions of authority. 30 years after a Mauritanian native was held prisoner in Guantanamo Bay with a price to pay, it’s a strong reminder about an actress whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.
7. Maverick
Over the past decade, the western movie genre hasn’t fared so well. Audiences have long lost interest in seeing cowboys that are good, bad and ugly. With their loud action sequences, cartoonish characters and lacklustre storytelling, most westerns have become a chore to sit through. That being said, “Maverick” stands out as an exception. Released in 1994, Jodie Foster’s movie revived the dying western genre. In the most comical role of her career, Foster embodies a con-artist committing criminal activities in the Old West without fear. Foster has spent most of her career playing serious characters. With “Maverick”, however, she stepped out of her comfort zone by showing her aptitude for comedy. A wonderful revival of the western genre, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress with charisma that has become an icon in Cinema.
8. Inside Man
Jodie Foster is one of those actresses that has always excelled at playing heroic women with power. Since her career began years ago, Foster has become a feminist hero. Foster has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing likeable women with courage. However, in 2006 the actress took audiences by surprise when she played a dangerous villain with a devious plan in “Inside Man”. In the most villainous role of her career, Foster embodies a devious woman organizing a bank robbery that’s dangerous. It gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a villain. In a star-studded cast filled with several actors, Foster stood out the most. A breathtaking portrait of bank robberies that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies audiences consider to be precious.
9. Flightplan
Airplanes are soaring vehicles that have always terrified me. At an early age, I developed a fear of planes soaring at high altitudes that faced risk of damage. I would fear that the airplane would be hijacked in a situation becoming a nightmare. As someone fearing sitting in airplanes that don’t go according to plan, I loved “Flightplan”. Released in 2005, Jodie Foster’s movie depicted airplanes facing catastrophe. In the most stressful role of her career, Foster embodies a mother searching for a missing daughter in a plane soaring in the air. It’s a role that gave Foster a chance to showcase aptitude for playing anxious characters under pressure. As powerful as Kyle’s desire to find her child in an airplane, it’s a remarkable reminder about an actress that has managed to gain a massive following by making commemorated movies that entertain.
10. Elysium
Sometimes, the sign of a great actress comes across when she is a bright spot in a bad movie. Jodie Foster has always had the rare ability to elevate every movie she’s in regardless of whether it’s poor quality. Foster’s strengths for elevating movies which suffer from every problem is clearly evident in her film “Elysium”. Released in 2013, Neil Blomkamp’s blockbuster was considered a disaster that didn’t work on any level. Nevertheless, Jodie Foster stood out as the bright spot of a mediocre movie. In the most commanding role of her career, Foster embodies a woman controlling a spaceship facing despair. As precious as planets regarded as an Elysium, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress with wisdom whose commemorated movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 