On May 21, 2025, Jodie Foster took a bold step in her illustrious career with the premiere of Vie Privée (A Private Life), her first leading role in a French-language film, at the Cannes Film Festival. The 62-year-old American actress and filmmaker, celebrated for her Academy Award-winning performances in The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991), showcased her fluency in French and a profound ability to reinvent herself through this new cinematic venture. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, the film received an eight-minute standing ovation, marking a significant milestone in Foster’s career as she embraced a role that challenged her to explore complex emotional depths in a language she has long mastered but rarely used as a lead on screen.
A New Chapter in French Cinema
Foster’s journey with the French language began early in her life. Raised in Los Angeles, she attended the Lycée Français de Los Angeles, becoming fluent in French and later dubbing many of her English-language films into French herself. While she had a supporting role in the 2004 French film A Very Long Engagement, Vie Privée marks her first starring role in a French production. In the film, Foster plays Lilian Steiner, a seasoned psychiatrist who spirals into a mystery after learning of the sudden death of her longtime patient, Paula (Virginie Efira). What begins as a quest to uncover the truth—Paula’s widower, Simon (Mathieu Amalric), claims it was suicide, but Lilian suspects murder—evolves into a profound journey of self-discovery for Lilian, forcing her to confront her own doubts about her decades-long career.
The film, which premiered out of competition at Cannes, blends psychological thriller elements with surreal moments, such as a Fellini-esque dream sequence set at a concert that intertwines Holocaust themes with Lilian’s personal unraveling. Critics have praised Foster’s performance, noting her pitch-perfect French—so impeccable that she could be mistaken for a native speaker like Isabelle Huppert—and her ability to navigate both the darker and lighter moments of the story. Her scenes opposite Daniel Auteuil, who plays a key role, have been highlighted for their chemistry, with some reviewers expressing a desire to see the two collaborate again.
Redefining Herself Through Language and Role
For Foster, Vie Privée represents more than just a linguistic challenge; it’s a redefinition of her artistic identity. In a recent interview with Variety at Cannes, she spoke about the freedom she felt working in French, saying, “There’s a freedom in expressing myself in another language—it allows me to tap into a different part of who I am.” This sentiment echoes her broader career trajectory, which has consistently pushed boundaries. From her breakout role as a teenage prostitute in Taxi Driver (1976) at age 12 to her directorial efforts like Little Man Tate (1991) and Money Monster (2016), Foster has never shied away from complex, transformative roles. But stepping into a French production as the lead allowed her to explore a new facet of her craft, blending her American star power with the nuanced, introspective style of European cinema.
The role of Lilian Steiner also mirrors Foster’s own journey of self-reflection. As Lilian investigates Paula’s death, she is forced to question her own professional choices, a process Foster has described as deeply personal. Having turned 60 recently, Foster noted in the same Variety interview that this milestone brought her a sense of career contentment, allowing her to take risks like this one. “Turning 60 gave me a new perspective,” she said. “I feel a lot freer to explore, to challenge myself in ways I might not have before.”
A Cultural and Cinematic Milestone
Vie Privée is not just a personal triumph for Foster but also a cultural bridge between American and French cinema. The film, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, is expected to resonate with audiences, particularly older moviegoers who appreciate its high production values and sophisticated storytelling. With crisp cinematography by Georges Lechaptois and a strong supporting cast including Mathieu Amalric and Vincent La Coste, the movie has been lauded for its classical filmmaking approach, feeling almost like a throwback to a different era of cinema.
Foster’s performance has sparked conversations about her versatility and enduring relevance in the industry. Posts on X following the Cannes premiere reflect widespread admiration, with fans noting her seamless transition into French cinema and her ability to embody a character as complex as Lilian. One user wrote, “Jodie Foster in a French film is everything I didn’t know I needed—she’s phenomenal!” Another praised her for “redefining what it means to be a global actress.”
Looking Ahead
As Foster continues to evolve, Vie Privée stands as a testament to her willingness to take risks and redefine herself, even after five decades in the industry. The film’s success at Cannes—both critically and in its warm reception—suggests that this won’t be her last foray into French cinema. With her history of advocacy, particularly for marginalized voices, and her knack for choosing meaningful projects, Foster’s future endeavors are likely to continue pushing boundaries, whether in English, French, or beyond.
In Vie Privée, Jodie Foster has not only embraced a new language but also a new way of seeing herself, proving once again why she remains one of cinema’s most remarkable talents. As she stood on the Cannes stage, embracing Zlotowski after the screening, it was clear: Foster’s journey of reinvention is far from over.
