Jane Fonda in Five Acts

Jane Fonda in Five Acts is a highly evocative, deeply insightful, and thoroughly researched documentary film that takes its audience on a remarkable journey through the labyrinth of the extraordinary life of Jane Fonda. Released in 2018, directed by Susan Lacy, and produced by HBO, the film portrays a more detailed, often nuanced, and insightful study of Fonda’s life and career than what is commonly known.

Although featuring several other individuals integral to Fonda's life, including Richard Nixon and Robert Redford, the documentary primarily centers around Jane Fonda. The title refers to five significant sections or "acts" of Fonda's life that make up the content of the film: her birth and childhood, her career in Hollywood, her political activism during the Vietnam War, her fitness entrepreneurship in the 80s, and her present life and reflections.

The film begins with Jane, the daughter of the iconic actor Henry Fonda and socialite turned homemaker Frances Ford Seymour. Growing up in the shadow of her famous father and battling her mother's mental health issues, Jane's early life was a concoction of luxury, privilege, emotional distance, and tragedy. Her relationship with her parents, especially her father, is shown to have had a profound effect on her life choices and personal development.

In the subsequent "act", the narrative focuses on her cinematic journey. Remarkable in her talent and beauty, Jane quickly rose to stardom in the golden age of Hollywood. Not only did she earn a slew of Oscar nominations (and wins), but she also starred alongside some of the industry's most revered names, including Robert Redford. Yet her success in cinema was always more complicated, marred by insecurities, pressures of societal beauty standards, and her constant quest for her father's approval.

The third act of the documentary delves into Jane's political activism, which came to define a significant part of her life. Her deeply passionate and controversial opposition to the Vietnam War is covered in detail in this segment of the film. However, it is her infamous visit to Hanoi, earning her the moniker "Hanoi Jane," which elevated her from actress to political lightning rod. The film doesn’t shy away from discussing this polarizing event and includes footage of then-President Richard Nixon speaking about Fonda's anti-war activities.

Fonda's unexpected turn into the fitness industry in the 80s is explored next. Jane Fonda's Workout, a series of aerobics exercise videos, was a massively successful venture. It wasn't just about leotards and leg warmers; it was also about empowerment and body positivity, and the film elucidates how it fit into larger narrative of Fonda's life.

The final act brings the audience into the current stage of Jane Fonda's life. Now in her 80s, she reflects back on her life, career, and activism with a sense of maturity, parenthood, and love. She remains outspoken and politically active and continues to live her life on her own terms.

Jane Fonda in Five Acts utilises detailed interviews from Fonda herself as the main source of narration. These interviews, interspersed with archival footage, segments from her films, and news broadcasts from the past, provide a thorough dive into her life. There are also first-hand accounts from family members, close friends, and former colleagues, who present a more rounded perspective.

The documentary does not shy away from exploring the controversy and criticism surrounding Fonda. She is portrayed as a person who constantly evolves and learns. It covers the many transformations she has undergone, both in her personal and public life, the mistakes she has admitted to, and the ways in which she has grown from them.

Few lives have been as well-documented, yet as hard to summarise, as Jane Fonda's. This film tries to do justice to the complexity of her persona while painting a respectful portrait of a deeply fascinating woman. Jane Fonda in Five Acts stands as a testament to Fonda's unflagging spirit, her relentless pursuit of growth, and her enduring impact on the world around her. It is a movie that transcends the boundaries of biography and becomes a testament to one woman's evolution in response to the tumultuous times around her.