England, 1996, 24 minutes, Color

A film by: Pratibha Parmar

Jodie is a fast paced, breezy look at the transatlantic phenomenon that has made Hollywood actress Jodie Foster an icon for lesbians who identify with, adore and celebrate the screen personas of her remarkable career. Fans and queer cultural critics share their favorite ‘iconic’ moments giving illuminating lesbian readings of Foster’s key films which trace the charismatic actor’s progression from early tomboy parts as a child star to mature performances depicting active, strong willed women with attitude. Die hard Foster fans like comedienne Lea de Laria’s comment that “If I was Hannibal Lecter, it wouldn’t be her liver I’d want to eat,” express the desire and lust shared by Foster’s lesbian fans around the world. The film captures the Jodie Foster look alike contest in San Francisco and a visually slick montage of views on Foster’s butch femme indeterminacy all help to confirm Foster’s status as a dyke icon.

Awards, Festivals, & Screenings

NY, LA and SF Int’l Lesbian and Gay Film Festivals
Denver Film Festival
South by Southwest Film Festival
Berlin Film Festival
Channel 4 Television, UK

Quotes

• “The real stars in this valentine to Foster are the critics, filmmakers, and just plain movie-goers for whom her star image has been so formative. Foster ought to be pleased with her supporting role.” – Patricia White – Swarthmore College

Related Links

The Liminal Iconography of Jodie Foster – an article by Christina Lane in the Journal of Popular Films and Television. Includes a bibliography. An excellent resource for those using JODIE: An Icon in the classroom.