Jodie Foster compares directing to parenthood

Jodie Foster wants to be like a “parent” when she directs.
The American actress has recently turned her hand to directing, and is currently promoting The Beaver, which she also stars in opposite Mel Gibson.
The 48-year-old does her best to listen to actors regardless of their sometimes “foolish” suggestions and expectations when they are on set.
“I want to be a good parent who loves them unconditionally, even when they come up with really bad idea and even when they suck,” she said in an interview with Psychologies magazine. “There is a way of loving their foolish attempts and guiding them in what you feel is the right direction. “

Jodie started out in the film industry as a child actor, starring in nearly 50 film and television roles before she attended college. The star received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Taxi Driver at the age of 13.
Jodie says because of her own exposure to the often ruthless industry at such a tender age, she has a specific tendency to nurture the child actors that she now directs.
“And I do think I have a particular sensitivity toward child actors because of my own experiences. As a child, I certainly looked for a parent figure in my directors,” she explained. “And when I mistrusted their motives and felt they didn’t measure up to my commitment, it was really hard for me to act. You’re like they are going to misuse their power.”