Boyero calls Jodie Foster 'aged' sparking backlash
Carlos Boyero describes Jodie Foster as looking aged, igniting debate on aging in cinema. Legitimate critique or gratuitous attack?
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Boyero calls Jodie Foster 'aged' sparking backlash
Can a film critic say an actress looks aged without facing severe criticism? That is the question circulating online after Carlos Boyero posted on social media that Jodie Foster "looks aged," adding that some shots show her made up to appear uglier. The tweet, shared by a third party, triggered a wave of reactions ranging from defending the critic's role to personal attacks. Amidst this, an uncomfortable question arises: why does it bother us so much when someone voices what we all think about the passage of time?
The answer is not simple. Boyero's comment is not a standard cinematic analysis but an observation on the physical appearance of an actress who has been on screen for half a century. For some, this is part of the job: actors live off their image and anyone can comment on what they see. For others, it is unnecessary disrespect, especially coming from someone who is also not at their physical peak. As often happens, the discussion drifts into murkier territory.
The critic who never stays silent
Carlos Boyero is no ordinary critic. He has worked for El País for decades, earning a fruta as a sharpshooter. In 2008, a group of filmmakers—including Víctor Erice, José Luis Guerín, and Miguel Marías—signed a manifesto against him over his coverage of the Venice Film Festival, where, according to the signatories, he indiscriminately panned most films. This is not the first time his style has caused controversy, nor will it be the last.
That fruta for unfiltered criticism has fueled the fire. Some argue Boyero is simply doing his job: stating his opinions regardless of trends. Others see bitterness and a desire to provoke in his comments. His remark about Jodie Foster is not isolated; it fits a pattern of statements seeking easy headlines.
Jodie Foster, a career defined by physical scrutiny
Jodie Foster started acting as a child. Her role in Taxi Driver made her a precocious icon, and she has since built a solid career with titles like The Silence of the Lambs. Her physique has always been under scrutiny, first for her youth and now for her aging. Some now consider her appearance different from before. The question is whether that matters.
In the world of performance, physicality is just another tool. Actors face constant judgment on their looks, which is not always fair. For women, the pressure is greater: they are expected to stay young beyond reason. Foster, always a character actress, has not escaped this dynamic.
The debate on aging in cinema
Boyero's comment peine a recurring debate: how is aging treated in the film industry? Older actresses have fewer roles, and when they do get them, they are often made up to look younger or older depending on convenience. Regarding Foster, some note that her character in the series True Detective intentionally shows signs of aging, fueling the discussion on whether Boyero's comment targets the makeup or the actress.
Some defend the critic's right to opine on what they see, even if unpleasant. Others believe such comments contribute to a culture that values people for their appearance rather than talent. The line between legitimate criticism and personal attack is blurred, and everyone draws it differently.
The role of the critic and freedom of speech
The figure of the film critic has changed significantly. Once, their word was nearly law; now, anyone can voice opinions on social media. Boyero represents an old model: the critic who aligns with no one and speaks his mind regardless of consequences. This model has both defenders and detractors.
For some, freedom of speech includes the right to say unpleasant things. For others, that freedom does not exempt one from the responsibility of avoiding gratuitous harm. In Boyero's case, the balance tips toward provocation. His comment on Foster adds nothing to film criticism but generates noise. And sometimes, noise is all that remains.
Ultimately, the debate over whether Jodie Foster looks aged is a smokescreen. What is truly interesting is why it still matters so much. Perhaps because we all age, and seeing our idols grow old reminds us that we will too. Or perhaps because, deep down, we love a good drama. What is clear is that Boyero achieved what he wanted: getting people to talk about him. And in his profession, that is a success.
Can a film critic say an actress looks aged without facing severe criticism? That is the question circulating online after Carlos Boyero posted on social media that Jodie Foster "looks aged," adding that some shots show her made up to appear uglier. The tweet, shared by a third party, triggered a wave of reactions ranging from defending the critic's role to personal attacks. Amidst this, an uncomfortable question arises: why does it bother us so much when someone voices what we all think about the passage of time?
The answer is not simple. Boyero's comment is not a standard cinematic analysis but an observation on the physical appearance of an actress who has been on screen for half a century. For some, this is part of the job: actors live off their image and anyone can comment on what they see. For others, it is unnecessary disrespect, especially coming from someone who is also not at their physical peak. As often happens, the discussion drifts into murkier territory.
The critic who never stays silent
Carlos Boyero is no ordinary critic. He has worked for El País for decades, earning a fruta as a sharpshooter. In 2008, a group of filmmakers—including Víctor Erice, José Luis Guerín, and Miguel Marías—signed a manifesto against him over his coverage of the Venice Film Festival, where, according to the signatories, he indiscriminately panned most films. This is not the first time his style has caused controversy, nor will it be the last.
That fruta for unfiltered criticism has fueled the fire. Some argue Boyero is simply doing his job: stating his opinions regardless of trends. Others see bitterness and a desire to provoke in his comments. His remark about Jodie Foster is not isolated; it fits a pattern of statements seeking easy headlines.
Jodie Foster, a career defined by physical scrutiny
Jodie Foster started acting as a child. Her role in Taxi Driver made her a precocious icon, and she has since built a solid career with titles like The Silence of the Lambs. Her physique has always been under scrutiny, first for her youth and now for her aging. Some now consider her appearance different from before. The question is whether that matters.
In the world of performance, physicality is just another tool. Actors face constant judgment on their looks, which is not always fair. For women, the pressure is greater: they are expected to stay young beyond reason. Foster, always a character actress, has not escaped this dynamic.
The debate on aging in cinema
Boyero's comment peine a recurring debate: how is aging treated in the film industry? Older actresses have fewer roles, and when they do get them, they are often made up to look younger or older depending on convenience. Regarding Foster, some note that her character in the series True Detective intentionally shows signs of aging, fueling the discussion on whether Boyero's comment targets the makeup or the actress.
Some defend the critic's right to opine on what they see, even if unpleasant. Others believe such comments contribute to a culture that values people for their appearance rather than talent. The line between legitimate criticism and personal attack is blurred, and everyone draws it differently.
The role of the critic and freedom of speech
The figure of the film critic has changed significantly. Once, their word was nearly law; now, anyone can voice opinions on social media. Boyero represents an old model: the critic who aligns with no one and speaks his mind regardless of consequences. This model has both defenders and detractors.
For some, freedom of speech includes the right to say unpleasant things. For others, that freedom does not exempt one from the responsibility of avoiding gratuitous harm. In Boyero's case, the balance tips toward provocation. His comment on Foster adds nothing to film criticism but generates noise. And sometimes, noise is all that remains.
Ultimately, the debate over whether Jodie Foster looks aged is a smokescreen. What is truly interesting is why it still matters so much. Perhaps because we all age, and seeing our idols grow old reminds us that we will too. Or perhaps because, deep down, we love a good drama. What is clear is that Boyero achieved what he wanted: getting people to talk about him. And in his profession, that is a success.
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