Jane Fonda Movies
Hollywood legend has it that Bette Davis was forced to talk to a blank wall rather than her co-star Henry Fonda during filming of her close-ups in Jezebel; the reason was that he had repaired to New York to attend the birth of his daughter Jane.A child of privilege, the young Jane Fonda exhibited the imperious, headstrong attitude and ruthlessness that would distinguish both her film work and her private life. The teenage Fonda wasn't keen on acting until she worked with her father in a 1954 Omaha Community Theatre production of The Country Girl. Slightly interested in pursuing a stage career at that point, Fonda nonetheless studied art both at Vassar and in Europe, returning to the States to work as a fashion model. Studying acting in earnest at Lee Strasberg's Actors' Studio, Fonda ultimately starred on Broadway in Tall Story, then made her film debut by re-creating this stage appearance in 1960.
A talented but not really distinctive player at that time, Fonda astonished everyone (none as much as her father) by becoming one of the first major American actresses to appear nude in a foreign film. This was La Ronde (1964), directed by her lover (and later her first husband) Roger Vadim. The event was heralded by a giant promotional poster in New York's theater district, with Fonda's naked backside in full view for all of Manhattan to see. Vadim decided to mold Fonda into a "sex goddess" in a series of lush but forgettable films; the best Fonda/Vadim collaboration was Barbarella (1968), which scored as much on the actress' sharp comic timing (already evidenced in such American pictures as Cat Ballou [1965]) as it did on her kinky costuming. In the late '60s, Fonda underwent another career metamorphosis when she became involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Her notorious visit to North Vietnam at the height of the conflict earned her the sobriquet "Hanoi Jane," as well as the enmity of virtually every ex-GI who fought in Southeast Asia.
Even so, Fonda's film stardom ascended in the early '70s; in 1971, she won the first of two Oscars for her portrayal of a high-priced prostitute in Klute (her other was for Coming Home [1978]), and Fonda's career flourished despite a sub-rosa Hollywood campaign to discredit the actress and spread idiotic rumors about her subversive behavior (one widely circulated fabrication had Fonda destroying the only existing negative of Stagecoach because she despised John Wayne).
In the 1980s, the actress realized several personal and career milestones: she worked with her father on film for the only time in On Golden Pond (1981); she assisted former peace activist Tom Hayden, whom she had married in the early '70s, in his successful bid for the California State Assembly; and she launched the first of several best-selling exercise videos. She also won an Emmy for her performance in the TV movie The Dollmaker (1984). After her marriage to Hayden ended in the early '80s, Fonda married media mogul Ted Turner in 1991 (the couple would divorce in 2000), and began curtailing her film appearances, all but retiring from the screen after her lead role opposite Robert De Niro in 1990s Stanley & Iris. Fonda was no less the social activist in the 1990s than she was two decades earlier; among her projects was the production of several "revisionist" dramatic specials and documentaries about the history of Native Americans, duly telecast on Turner's various worldwide cable services.
Just when it seemed audiences might have seen the last of Fonda on the big screen, she proved that she had no intention of retiring. The 2000's would see the veteran actress continuing to star in a vareity of projects, like Monster-in-Law, Georgia Rule, and Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2010
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American icon and long-time fitness advocate Jane Fonda offers a calorie-burning, strength-training exercise program that incorporates walking as a means of losing fat, as well as improving brain function and organ health. The program includes two one-mile walking workouts. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
As originally screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Cannes Film Festival, and on Turner Classic Movies, the mammoth, epic-length documentary Brando chronicles in encyclopedic detail (and with a consistently reverent overtone) the life and career of the man widely regarded as the most formidable American actor of the 20th century - famous for not only reshaping, but reinventing the craft of film acting and teaching audiences how to view a motion picture performance. Divided into chronological, thematically-unified segments, the film first treats Marlon Brando's dysfunctional upbringing - his alcoholic mother, his abusive father, his stint at a military academy - before charting his acting tutelage at the behest of Stella Adler and his early cinematic and theatrical roles, including work for Elia Kazan, who famously made many aggressive (and unsuccessful) attempts to discipline the headstrong actor onscreen. Throughout this segment, many Hollywood A-list actors appear - among them, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp and Robert Duvall - expostulating at length on Brando's influence over their approaches to performance, and attempting with great effort to define the elusive style known as "method acting" that Brando helped to create. The second half of the documentary moves into Brando's career during the '70s, '80s and '90s, covering the production of The Godfather, the actor's noteworthy political activism, and his tumultuous personal life. Francis Ford Coppola, who of course teamed with Brando for the first Godfather installment and for Apocalypse Now, is noticeably absent from the proceedings. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, (more)
Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman, and Lindsay Lohan star in director Garry Marshall's tale of a rebellious young woman who is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother when her frustrated mother fails to find a means of curbing her unruly behavior. Rachel (Lohan) is an out-of-control teen whose reckless drinking, foul mouth, and hysterical fits have become a constant source of embarrassment for her long-suffering mother, Lily (Huffman). When Rachel crashes her car, Lily determines that the only way to tame her savage daughter is to take her as far away from San Francisco as possible. Though Lily had once sworn never to return to the Idaho farm presided over by her demanding mother, Georgia (Jane Fonda), desperation has a funny way of dulling the pains of the past, and it's not long before Lily is packing Rachel in the car and setting out for potato country. Contrary to the common image of the sweet and doting grandmother, Georgia is a stern matriarch whose beliefs in the power of God and a hard day's work stand in stark contrast to the carefree lifestyle of the tempestuous Rachel. An interesting thing happens as the summer wears on, though; despite her initial efforts to disrupt the quiet Mormon community, Rachel's rage is gradually tempered as she learns the value of structure and responsibility. Later, as Rachel's protective walls begin to crumble and she begins to embrace compassion and kindness, the doors are opened for three generations of family to confront the long-buried secrets of their past and finally move forward in the healing process. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan, (more)
It's not unusual to see two women fighting over the same man in a movie, only this time it's his mother and his fiancée vying for his attention in this broad comedy. While Charlotte Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez), known to her friends as Charlie, has never had much luck in her love life, one day her ship arrives in a big way when she meets Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan), a doctor who is charming, handsome, and wealthy. Kevin also has a famous mother, Viola Fields (Jane Fonda), who has enjoyed a long and successful career as a news broadcaster. When Kevin and Charlie fall head over heels for one another, he opts to propose marriage to her as he's introducing Charlie to Viola over lunch. However, as far as Viola is concerned, this could not come at a worse time -- Viola has just been fired from the anchor desk, and regards her son as the only anchor left in her life. Not willing to share Kevin with anyone, Viola sets out to sabotage his relationship with Charlie in any way she can, often with the wary assistance of her secretary Ruby (Wanda Sykes). But once Charlie gets wind of Viola's schemes, she decides two can play this game. Monster-in-Law marked Jane Fonda's return to the screen after a long leave of absence; it was her first film after co-starring with Robert De Niro in 1990's Stanley & Iris. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, (more)
The little-known protest of the Vietnam War staged from within the ranks of the military is explored in director David Zeiger's revealing documentary. Despite the well-documented media coverage of Vietnam War protests that took place on college campuses across the nation, few people but the most ardent history buffs remain aware of the massive protests that flourished in U.S. barracks and military bases at home and abroad. Staged by countless military men disillusioned with the ongoing war, these protests reached from the hallowed halls of West Point to the bullet-riddled rice fields of Vietnam. Though hundreds of soldiers were imprisoned for voicing their controversial views and thousands more sent into exile for their subversive activities, the tireless efforts of the government and media to suppress this remarkable tale would eventually falter as the dissenting voices became too numerous to silence. Thirty years after the last bombs were dropped on Vietnam, the remarkable tale of the soldiers unafraid to stand up for their beliefs comes to the screen in a film that will forever alter the manner in which contemporary audiences view one of the most controversial wars in modern history. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Fonda, Donald Duncan, (more)
Mark Wexler is a successful photojournalist who has also distinguished himself as a documentary filmmaker, but in many ways he has spent much of his life in the shadow of his more famous father, Haskell Wexler. One of Hollywood's greatest cinematographers, Haskell is also known as a director (he made the acclaimed feature Medium Cool as well as a handful of documentaries) and as a tireless political activist. But while Haskell is widely respected as a major talent, he's also known for being fiercely opinionated and difficult to work with, and Mark makes no secret of the fact that he's had a prickly relationship with his dad. Mark Wexler takes a detailed look at the life and work of Haskell Wexler in Tell Them Who You Are, which examines Haskell's career in the movie business, his relationship with his family (including his three marriages and his frequent lack of respect for Mark), and how he's viewed by his friends and peers. Interview subjects include Jane Fonda, Paul Newman, George Lucas, Michael Douglas, Milos Forman, Ron Howard, Dennis Hopper, and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Haskell Wexler, Mark S. Wexler, (more)
- 2003
First-time filmmaker Abby Epstein directs Until the Violence Stops, an hour-long documentary capturing the impact of V-Day in five different international communities. Following the success of Eve Ensler's award-winning play The Vagina Monologues, V-Day was created as a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In 2002, hundreds of V-Day benefit events occurred all over the world in order to raise both awareness and funds. This program focuses on specific V-Day events in New York, California, the Philippines, South Dakota, and Kenya. Includes appearances by founder Eve Ensler along with celebrity activists Jane Fonda, Glenn Close, and Isabella Rossellini. Until the Violence Stops was shown at a special screening of the Sundance Film Festival prior to its commercial-free broadcast premiere on Lifetime Television in February of 2004. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- 2003
Before the Motion Picture Production Code transformed virtually all movie heroines into unworldly virgins in the year 1934, actresses were able to get their teeth into meaty roles which allowed them the full gamut of emotions, a vast array of sexual experiences, and, most importantly, an innate wisdom beyond their years. Based on the book by Mick LaSalle, the 60-minute cable documentary Complicated Women provides modern viewers with fascinating glimpses of celebrated Hollywood actresses during the pre-code years (1929-1933). Highlights include Norma Shearer's advocacy of an open marriage in 1930's The Divorcée (a role which earned her an Oscar); Jean Harlow's casual carnal hijinks with Clark Gable in 1932's Red Dust; Barbara Stanwyck sleeping her way to the top of the business world in Baby Face (1933); Greta Garbo's knowing portrayal of the bisexual Queen Christina in the 1933 film of the same name; and, of course, the censor-baiting innuendoes of Mae West. The premise of Complicated Women can be summed up thus: they weren't all "good girls" in those pre-code years, but they were certainly far more interesting and multilayered than the corsetted iron butterflies of the post-code era. In addition to vintage film clips, the documentary features interviews with a handful of survivors from Depression-era Hollywood, among them actress Frances Dee, whose portrayal of a masochistic thrill-seeker in 1933's Blood Money still packed a wallop seven decades later. Narrated by Jane Fonda, Complicated Women kicked off a month-long festival of pre-code films on the Turner Classic Movies cable channel. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Fonda
Directed by actress Rosanna Arquette, this candid documentary is not only about the iconoclastic and somewhat reclusive film star Debra Winger (who does not even appear onscreen until an hour into the film), but also about the trials and tribulations of actresses in Hollywood who have reached "that certain age." In the course of her "search," Arquette interviews several of her colleagues, among them Whoopi Goldberg, Diane Lane, Teri Garr, Holly Hunter, Vanessa Redgrave, Charlotte Rampling, Meg Ryan, and Sharon Stone, all of whom have their own personal horror stories about insensitive producers and casting directors who tend to think of over-40 (and sometimes over-30) actresses as being suitable only for mother, "other woman," and "hero's girlfriend" roles -- when they bother to cast these actresses at all. The women also discuss the difficulties in balancing a successful career and a private life. Test-marketed on the film festival circuit throughout 2002, Searching for Debra Winger received its largest audience when it aired over the Showtime cable channel on August 18, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patricia Arquette, Rosanna Arquette, (more)
- 1995
In this video, Jane Fonda shows everyone how to target and trim down their flabby abdominal muscles, buns, and thighs. Two 25-minute workouts are presented. Low-impact exercise fans will enjoy all of the routines demonstrated by Jane and two other instructors. Beginners will also feel right at ease. Be ready to do some standing leg lifts, squats, and simple aerobic dance moves. At the end of the exercises, viewers are shown stretching moves to help them feel both relaxed and invigorated. After using this tape regularly for several weeks, viewers should start noticing that their lower body muscles are more toned.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1995
Equally famous for her exercise videos as for her Hollywood career, Jane Fonda flaunts her still-maintained body in Low Impact Aerobics and Stretch. Two workouts are coached encouragingly by Fonda and her sculpted crew; both are easily followed by beginners with enough challenge for experienced viewers as well. Dance-inpsired aerobics may be more suitable for women than men, and Fonda's experienced instruction focuses on fat-burning results. ~ Sarah Sloboda, Rovi
- 1994
Throughout the 20th century, women have met the challenges and struggles of balancing work and family. Narrated by Jane Fonda, A Century of Women: Work & Family weaves fictional and factual stories to illustrate the history of women in the workforce, as well as their roles as wives and mothers. Performances and testimonies from a stellar group of women including Meryl Streep, Gloria Steinem, Twyla Tharp, and Maya Angelou facilitate the film's innovative method of storytelling. Archival film, photographs, and interviews retrace historical events -- from the founding of the PTA to early unions -- that changed our social landscape. Diaries, letters, and personal memories honor women of the past and make it clear that the balancing of labor and family was a matter of life and death. ~ Brooke Hodess, Rovi
- 1994
This video seeks to help viewers understand how our culture has evolved to a point where dress sizes and fashion tend to ignore the realities of the way most women are built. What is "ideal beauty" and why does our culture place so much value on being thin? Both women and men might find it interesting to learn how American women really view themselves. How do women hold on to some semblance of self-esteem when living in a culture that seems to tell them that they have little value if they are overweight? Examine why there's a double standard that allows so many men to almost completely ignore their weight and ability to dress fashionably. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1994
This documentary takes a look at the continuing work of feminists to establish reproductive rights for women. The issue of the right to control one's own body is presented as one that is crucial to the welfare of women. The fight for birth control began in America at the time of the great wave of immigration during the Industrial Revolution. Women and men were working in dangerous and substandard conditions to raise their children. Many wanted fewer, not more, children. Deaths of mothers during childbirth and infant mortality were shockingly high. The battle for women and children's health continues to the present. The film looks at the decision of Roe vs. Wade and the efforts to overturn it. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1994
Join in while four of Fonda's instructors take turns leading viewers through a series of step exercises to help tone various muscles and improve agility. The 45-minute, high-energy workout is especially designed for those aerobics enthusiasts ready for an intermediate-level challenge. Those who find themselves feeling a bit out of breath can take advantage of some of the lower-intensity adaptations of the workout , while viewers interested in a bit tougher regimen should watch closely for the variations for more advanced step exercisers. Once the step workout ends, Fonda herself leads everyone through a 15-minute series of stretching movements that is very relaxing. These stretches are simple to do and are appropriate for nearly all workout enthusiasts.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1993
Four of Jane's simpler and most popular exercise routines are demonstrated in this video. This variety is helpful to those who become bored rather easily while working out. The clips come from her Stress Reduction, Lean Routine, Low Impact, and Complete Workout tapes. Both high-impact moves and less stressful ones are shown so that nearly everyone can do this workout right along with Jane. Viewers may be a little surprised to see some unusual fashions, like the leg warmers that so many people once wore while working out. During 15 minutes of this 50-minute film, Jane shares some of her own dieting tips. She also shares her ideas about which foods should be eaten and how they should be prepared in order to minimize weight gain and help everyone keep attractive, healthy figures. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1993
Long before Demi Moore stood in a proud pregnant pose for the magazine Vanity Fair, Jane Fonda was urging women to use this tape to help them look their best and stay in shape prior to giving birth. After the initial warm-up routine, viewers will work on firming up their arms. They will then be shown exercises that target their middle and lower body areas. Helpful relaxation and breathing exercises are also shown, which are potentially useful both when giving birth or simply finishing a workout. Given the unique health problems many women face during pregnancy, it's important to check with a doctor before using this or any other exercise video.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1993
This video is recommended for both beginners and those seeking a more moderate workout that incorporates low-impact aerobics. While a bit dated in terms of the music and a few of the routines, it still has much to offer. Jane Fonda leads viewers through exercises specifically designed to tone up their stomachs, buttocks, hips, legs, and arms. Body flexibility, proper posture, and balance are also targeted through a series of mildly challenging exercises. Video users with arthritis will be especially pleased with the stretching exercises, which can help older workout enthusiasts maintain their flexibility without risking the more demanding aerobic moves. All of Fonda's workout tapes are fully reviewed by a team of healthcare professionals and exercise experts before they are marketed.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1993
Many yoga basics are demonstrated in this video that focuses on a series of poses known as the "sun salutation." Done properly, these poses can increase the body's strength, flexibility, and balance. There are three parts to this video that can be practiced separately. Two of the sections directly involve teaching the "sun salute," while the third emphasizes the techniques of the "classical" or "Series C" yoga salute. Jane also demonstrates relaxation and stress reduction exercises that can be used both before beginning this yoga workout and after completing it. Most beginning and intermediate yoga students should find this video enjoyable and informative. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1992
The viewer's cardiovascular system will be fully energized by this workout. After some challenging floor exercises are demonstrated, there's a step class featuring students doing both high- and low-intensity routines to the beat of some catchy music. Though this is a good tape, those who have already mastered a number of step routines may not find this program challenging unless they use higher steps. Thick thighs, large buns, and "love handles" will no longer rule if the demonstrated exercises are done that target the lower body muscle groups. If the viewer hasn't done any abdominal exercises in a while, it may be necessary to do fewer repetitions than the number suggested in the video. Otherwise, these are good routines for beginners.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1992
Fonda on Fonda offers an intimate look at one of America's most highly regarded megastars, the Academy and Tony award-winning film and stage actor, Henry Fonda. Daughter Jane Fonda hosts this account of the elder Fonda's life and career. Fonda's work spanned the golden years of Hollywood in which he appeared in 90 films. Fonda on Fonda traces the actor's stellar career using interviews and clips from his best-known films, including The Grapes of Wrath, Young Mr. Lincoln, Mister Roberts, and On Golden Pond, in which he shared the screen with Jane. The video offers rare insight into the world of one of Hollywood's most important performing families.
~ Sally Barber, Rovi
~ Sally Barber, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Fonda
- 1991
Viewers can add shape and muscle tone to their lower body while following along with this two-part floor exercise and aerobics workout. When done properly, these exercises tone up the abs, buns, and thighs so that clothing fits in a truly flattering way. Fonda spends 25 minutes demonstrating the floor exercises and 35 minutes demonstrating the low-impact step-aerobics routine. Though some beginners might be intimidated by the choreography and dance steps, the steps are repeated enough times that most people can pick them up rather quickly. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1991
This exercise video is designed for children from four to eight, and is demonstrated by Jane Fonda. ~ Rovi
- 1990
This exercise video features a light aerobic workout that includes more stretching and less sweating. ~ Rovi
Rating Systems
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