Jodie Foster Moved to France Weeks Early to Perfect Her French for her New Movie

Jodie Foster fully embraced the French lifestyle to prepare for her latest film 'A Private Life'—even moving to France weeks before production began to immerse herself completely in the language and culture.

The Oscar-winning actress, 62, stars in her first fully French-speaking role, portraying an American psychoanalyst living in France whose life spirals after the sudden death of a patient. Speaking at the New York Film Festival premiere on 5th October, Jodie Foster admitted that taking on such a dialogue-heavy French role pushed her outside her comfort zone.

Jodie Foster's Efforts to Perfect Her French

She shared that, although she had worked on French films before, this was the first time she carried a leading role with so much French dialogue. To prepare, she arrived in France three weeks before filming, cut off contact with her American friends, and spoke exclusively with French locals to sharpen her fluency. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

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Jodie Foster credited the experience—along with guidance from a language coach—for helping her feel more natural in the role.

Director Rebecca Zlotowski, who helmed the film, said she encouraged Jodie Foster to keep a few subtle English expressions and mannerisms to stay true to her character's American background.

Jodie Foster described the filmmaking process as both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the differences between French and American film sets. She noted that French productions often rely on smaller teams, with crew members taking on multiple responsibilities—a contrast to the more specialised structure of U.S. productions.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Reflecting on her career, the two-time Academy Award winner said turning 60 has opened the door to new opportunities, allowing her to explore character-driven roles she hadn't previously considered.

'A Private Life' hits theatres on 16th January 2026, marking a milestone moment for Jodie Foster as she blends her French roots and Hollywood experience in one of her most personal performances yet.

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