Watch Jane Fonda in Five Acts

Jane Fonda in Five Acts is a riveting documentary film that details the fascinating life story of Hollywood icon Jane Fonda. The film, released in 2018, is directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Susan Lacy, known for her exceptional work on HBO's American Masters. Jane Fonda in Five Acts explores Fonda's life, loves, and legacy through interviews with Fonda herself, her family, and fellow actors and activists.

The film opens with Fonda discussing her complicated relationship with her father, the famous actor Henry Fonda. We learn about her childhood, which was fraught with insecurity and neglect, and her strained relationship with her mother. Fonda also reflects on her early years in Hollywood, where she struggled to find her place in the film industry despite being born into Hollywood royalty.

The documentary is divided into five acts, each one exploring a different phase of Fonda's life. The first act, "The Actor," focuses on Fonda's early years in Hollywood, her roles in iconic movies like Barbarella and Klute, and her emergence as an outspoken political activist during the Vietnam War.

The second act, "The Wife," delves into Fonda's tumultuous relationships with her three husbands, including director Roger Vadim and political activist Tom Hayden. We also learn about the impact of her father's disapproval of her decisions and the effect it had on her personal life.

The third act, "The Activist," examines Fonda's commitment to social justice causes, including her controversial activism during the Vietnam War, her work with the Black Panthers, and her efforts to support women's rights and environmental issues.

The fourth act, "The Fitness Guru," tackles Fonda's pioneering role in the fitness industry. Her popular workout videos, which sold millions of copies, changed the way Americans thought about exercise and health.

The final act, "The Icon," celebrates Fonda's legacy as an actress, political activist, and cultural icon. We see her acceptance of the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2014 Golden Globes and her moving speech about the importance of storytelling and the power of cinema to change the world.

Throughout the film, we hear from Fonda's family and friends, including Robert Redford, Lily Tomlin, and Tom Hayden, who provide insight into Fonda's personal life and the impact she has had on their own lives. We also see archival footage of Fonda's activism and acting career, including her famous performances in movies like They Shoot Horses, Don't They? and On Golden Pond.

Overall, Jane Fonda in Five Acts is a poignant and powerful tribute to a Hollywood legend and feminist icon. It provides a comprehensive look at Fonda's life, from her privileged upbringing to her activism and enduring legacy. Fonda's story is one of resilience, courage, and determination, and this film does an excellent job of capturing her spirit and legacy.

Jane Fonda in Five Acts is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 87.