About Jane Fonda in Five Acts (HBO)

'Jane Fonda in Five Acts' is a 2018 American documentary film that offers an intimate look at the life and career of the iconic actress Jane Fonda. This HBO documentary is directed by Susan Lacy and it spans over Jane Fonda's life, the five acts being her four marriages and the final act, Jane herself.

Making / Production

Susan Lacy, the director of the film, used voluminous archival footage and interviews with friends, family, and Fonda herself, to bring out a unique insight into the life of the actress. The film was produced by Home Box Office (HBO) and Pentimento Productions.

Actors

• Jane Fonda - As herself, Fonda brings striking sincerity and profound insight into her own journey, reflecting on her life, her career, her joys and sorrows.
• Robert Redford - As himself, Redford nostalgically talks about her union with Fonda in several classic movies.
• Lily Tomlin - As herself, Tomlin discusses the friendship and association with Fonda.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This documentary probes at the heart of major cultural upheavals in US history, through the lens of Jane Fonda's personal and professional life.
• The documentary has a stunning revelation about Fonda's mother, Frances Ford Seymour, which was unknown to Fonda until she wrote her memoir.
• The unique format of treating Fonda's life in five acts adds a layer of theatrical drama to this real-life narrative.

Awards

The documentary film has been critically acclaimed and has received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

Quotes

• "It took me a long time to realize we are not meant to be perfect; we're meant to be whole."
• "The 'cult of good looks' has you feeling unattractive and old long before you are either."

Music / Soundtrack

• The documentary features a score by Paul Cantelon that adds an emotional texture to the narrative.
• The song "Barefootin'" by Robert Parker is used effectively to complement the mood of certain scenes.