How Jane Fonda’s Feminism Evolved With Her Films: ‘I’m Proud of Myself That I Didn’t Settle’

by

On February 23rd, I’ll be honored with SAG-AFTRA’s Life Achievement Award, which signifies the highest accolade this organization can bestow upon one of its members. Yet, this is merely another addition to the numerous acknowledgments I’ve received over the years, a testament to an array of achievements that span beyond what a single lifetime can accommodate — including mine.

Despite the challenges she’s faced through nearly nine decades of experiences marked by highs and lows, Fonda welcomes the chance for a triumphant finale. “Let me make this clear,” she shares with EbMaster, “I’ve been loathed. I understand what it means to feel threatened. Strangers have approached me with warm smiles on their faces only to get almost nose-to-nose and say, ‘I’d like to slit your throat.’ I’ve received death threats and more. So to be admired is incredible.

Reflecting on my illustrious career marked by an Emmy, two Oscars, and eight Golden Globes, among numerous other nominations and accolades, I can’t help but recall the challenging beginnings that almost derailed my journey in acting. After my initial film, ‘Tall Story,’ I contemplated calling it quits, as the experience was far from enjoyable and at times downright uncomfortable.

Just before we began shooting, Josh Logan, the director-producer, made a comment that left me feeling dejected: “You should have your jaw broken so your cheeks aren’t so puffy.” Remarks like these were not exactly confidence boosters, to say the least. Yet, they served as stepping stones in my journey towards success.

Two years after her initial encounter with Edward Dmytryk, he presented her with a role in the film “Walk on the Wild Side”. This opportunity proved to be transformative, as she explains, “It changed everything. Kitty Twist was no ordinary character. She wasn’t your typical neighbor girl I found hard to connect with. Instead, she traveled in a freight car and later became a high-class brothel worker under Barbara Stanwyck. Playing her was exhilarating.

Unlike her father, Henry Fonda, who was deeply rooted in the U.S. film industry, Jane Fonda chose a different path, venturing into international cinema and immersing herself in the French New Wave movement. This decision not only opened up intriguing creative avenues for her, but also led to significant relationships, such as her first marriage to director Roger Vadim. As she explains, “The new wave of French cinema really appealed to me, and since I spoke French fluently, I was given the chance to star in a film [Joy House] by a renowned director named René Clément, alongside Alain Delon. Who wouldn’t take that opportunity?” She further stated, “Breaking free from my father’s shadow, exploring Europe and working there seemed like the perfect solution for me. And then I fell in love with Vadim.

During her time as an expat, she collaborated with her husband on four films, one of which was the erotic sci-fi adventure “Barbarella.” Later, she worked with renowned French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard on “Tout Va Bien.” It was during this period that she developed a deep interest in social activism. This passion was ignited by her costar Yves Montand’s wife, Simone Signoret, who educated her about global politics. Fonda recalls attending anti-Vietnam War rallies in France where philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and writers such as Simone de Beauvoir were speaking. Inspired by these experiences, she decided to return home and join the anti-war movement.

After spending time in France and working in America, with a rapidly growing career and a newfound sense of social awareness, Fonda won her first Academy Award for portraying the iconic call girl Bree Daniels in Alan Pakula’s “Klute.” Reflecting this duality in both her personal life and professional endeavors, she later utilized her celebrity status to highlight social issues and leveraged her influence in Hollywood to create intricate, multi-dimensional narratives about them.

In her disclosure, she explains that ‘The China Syndrome’ served as a subtle way for her to incorporate gender issues within her character. Moreover, ‘9 to 5’ came into being because one of her fellow activists in the antiwar movement established an organization in Boston, focusing on uniting women office workers. Inspired by this, she felt compelled to create a movie about their experiences.

Five years following the Vietnam War’s conclusion, Fonda earned her second Oscar for portraying a conservative military wife who develops feelings for a disabled war veteran in Hal Ashby’s “Coming Home.” This character’s transformation and growth mirrored Fonda’s own, as it was not foreseen or planned but rather the unavoidable consequence of forces beyond her control. She emphasizes that she has not always sought to make an impact, yet the fact that she began producing films of her own, all centered around women because she desired a role for herself, and as she was undergoing personal growth, led her to play characters who were also evolving.

Over time, evolution allowed Fonda to break free from a recurring theme, as described in her 2005 memoir “My Life So Far,” of letting men determine her identity – initially her father, then Vadim and her subsequent husbands, Tom Hayden and Ted Turner. However, she derived useful insights from these relationships that she still employs today, such as in her ongoing activism for human rights, anti-war, environmental, and feminist causes. As she puts it herself, “Tom Hayden may not have been an ideal husband, but he was an excellent educator.” The lessons she gleaned from those years revolve around the importance of grassroots organizing – showing up in person, communicating with, and influencing those you aim to persuade or inspire.

She emphasizes once more, “It’s essential that you speak with them.” What I adore about door-to-door campaigning is the opportunity it provides to truly understand others. You simply knock on their door, and in doing so, you open up a window into their lives.

Over the last two decades, she’s devoted most of her time to understanding herself better. “I’m the classic example of a late bloomer,” she admits. “Growing up was a slow process for me. I possessed an inner strength, compassion, and integrity, but I was unaware of my identity or my purpose. Consequently, I found myself repeatedly marrying men I believed would provide answers to these questions.” Fonda explains that self-discovery has been fueled by embracing her position as a role model.

She mentions that she’s only just begun to consider this, but it brings her great joy since the influence one can have isn’t always clear.

In the upcoming series of remakes of her films, such as Jennifer Aniston’s revamp of “9 to 5” and an updated version of “Barbarella” led by Sydney Sweeney, she will be able to gauge the impact. Although Fonda hasn’t been involved in the planning for the latter, she expresses her desire for a more modern, feminist take on the material, contrasting with the damsel-in-distress character she portrayed in 1968. If given the chance to remake “Barbarella”, Fonda states that it would undoubtedly be a film centered around feminism. She explains this is because stories that resonate with contemporary issues tend to hold more significance for audiences.

Despite her past successes, Jane Fonda remains active and humble. After a break of 15 years from acting, she made her comeback in 2005 with an impactful role alongside Jennifer Lopez in the comedy “The Mother-in-Law,” followed by numerous films and TV series, including 94 episodes of “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix. It’s no wonder that she has continued to be productive, and this productivity has also led to more activism. At age 81, she has been arrested five times and has established the Jane Fonda Climate PAC to help elect local climate advocates.

Her active engagement in both professional and political ventures highlights her belief that her life is far from complete even at 87 years old. However, it’s Jane Fonda’s unwavering commitment to instigate change, first within herself, that truly makes her accomplishments—past, present, and future—worthy of celebration. “I have always felt inadequate,” she admits. “That mindset has been key—never being content, always striving for improvement. I understand the mistakes I made, and I know what my intentions were. And that’s why I put in the effort, and I’m proud of myself for not giving up.

Read More

2025-02-19 20:20