Susan Lacy Peels Back Layers of Jane Fonda at Sundance

Jane Fonda is a tough cookie.  Icon. Movie Star. Wife. Mother. Activist.  Half rose-petal. Half thorn.  The rose petal is very girly and flirty when recalling the men in her life and how each one of them had a role in shaping the Jane Fonda we know and admire today.  The thorn has never been one to shy away from a challenge in her personal or professional life and shows no signs of slowing down now

Directed by Susan Lacy, Jane Fonda in Five Acts show this remarkable woman in her most powerful and vulnerable states as she recalls a life lived in the public eye.  But, baby that fifth act where Fonda has become completely comfortable in her skin and unapologetically peels back layers for all to see is best act of all.

“Growing up in the shadow of a monument” is how Fonda describes growing up as the daughter of a movie star who had issues expressing his feelings and how she spent her whole life looking for acceptance.  Struggling with eating disorders, body images and self-esteem, one walks away reminded that even movie stars are human with real issues and real obstacles.

With anecdotal interviews ranging from her children, to some of her beloved “women friends” to Robert Redford, you learn very quickly these people love her hard and she loves them all just as much.

The one thing that struck me to my core is that this is a woman who grew up during a time in America, where women were expected to get married, have children and be a housewife.  Jane Fonda was and is so much more than that.  “This is the beginning of my last act…”  Well Miss Jane Fonda…your last five acts have been remarkable and I for one can’t wait to see what happens next.

Jane Fonda in Five Acts hits HBO real soon,  Stay tuned to the Curvy Film Critic for the dates. In the meantime…check out this interview with Miss Fonda and her son Troy on the red carpet at Sundance.