About this episode

The episode explores the connection between Jodie Foster, John Hinckley Jr., and the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, highlighting the impact on Foster's life and the American criminal justice system.

'Taxi Driver' isn't just one of the greatest movies ever made... it's also deeply entangled with one of the most shocking true crimes in American history.  In this Out of Frame episode, Chris and Lizzie welcome special guests Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire from RedHanded to examine the disturbing case of John Hinkley Jr, whose obsession with Jodie Foster spiraled into an attempt to assassinate Ronald Reagan. Discover how the case reshaped Foster's life and career, and dive into the lasting impacts of the trial on the American criminal justice system. Find out how 'Taxi Driver', arguably an examination of toxic masculinity, became an extremely dangerous call to arms in the wrong hands.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris, Lizzie

Guests: Suruthi Bala, Hannah Maguire

Topics covered

• true crime
• Jodie Foster
• John Hinckley Jr.
• Taxi Driver
• American criminal justice system
• toxic masculinity

Keywords

• Jodie Foster
• John Hinckley Jr.
• Taxi Driver
• assassination
• true crime
• toxic masculinity
• American justice system

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Taxi Driver

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• Taxi Driver · April 20, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) · April 13, 2026 · 1h 40m
• James McAvoy on California Schemin' · April 10, 2026 · 39 min
• Lawrence of Arabia · April 6, 2026 · 1h 31m

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