WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO: FONDA
Hollywood star Jane Fonda finds it heartening that “solid, multidimensional and complex female roles” are becoming prevalent now
She started her acting career way back in 1960 with Tall Story. Ever since actor Jane Fonda has gone on to become one of the most powerful actresses of all time in Hollywood. But the 79-year-old admits that, at this stage, using her “voice to influence change is most important” to her. As the twotime Oscar and BAFTA winner stars alongside Robert Redford again (they starred together in Barefoot in the Park; 1967) in Our Souls At Night (OSAN), HT Café does an exclusive chat with the actor about life, career and more.
You made your film debut 57 years back. How do you look at your illustrious journey?
I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done throughout my career. I have so many wonderful memories of every film that I’ve done. Of course, the industry has significantly changed since I started out, so I feel very happy that I’ve been able to continue to work, especially on meaningful projects like Grace and Frankie (TV series) and Our Souls at Night.
After achieving much fame and praise in your career, what keeps you going even now?
I think now, what’s most important to me is my activism work. It would be a waste to not take advantage of the platform that I’ve been given. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion and speak up for those who can’t, and it doesn’t really matter what you do or who you are. But whenever there’s been an important revolution or civil turmoil, artists, actors, writers and poets are always the people who can reach into areas that politics can’t. At this stage, using my voice to influence change is most important to me.
In India as well as Hollywood, there has been a constant grouse that not many meaty parts are written for female actors – especially senior ones. Do you agree?
Yes, I do. We have a long way to go, but we are seeing solid, multidimensional, complex female roles become more and more prevalent – and with women of all ages. I really thought Big Little Lies was special with all the ‘complex’ women’s lives coming together and [they] interacting [with each other]. I also love how sex was portrayed in OSAN. I think people think that after a certain age, people don’t have sex anymore and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Normally, we shy away from that subject, but OSAN brought it to the forefront.
Talking of OSAN, how was it working again with Robert Redford after so many years?
I love the fact that this movie essentially completed the bookend to our careers. We first came together to play a young couple in love and this time, we came together to portray ‘older love.’ I got the chance to kiss him in my 20s and I again got a chance to kiss him when I am in my almost 80s.
As one of the most respected actors of all time, what’s the best part about being an actor?
Firstly, it’s getting to tell people’s stories that resonate with audiences and move the needle on certain topics. Also, being able to affect change by telling stories of people that would otherwise never be told is also great. And lastly, being told that you’ve helped someone with some aspect of their lives because of one of the roles you played is a feeling like no other.
At a time when you are extremely selective about your roles, what made you say yes to Our Souls At Night?
Firstly, when Robert (Redford; co-star) asked me to do the film, I immediately said yes. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever be working at this age, and I certainly never thought I’d be able to work with him again, so I jumped at the chance (smiles). We’ve been co-stars five times now and that is truly special. Getting to play that range with someone I’ve literally grown up with was fantastic. Working with Robert is always incredible, and I’m so glad to have had the chance to do it one more time.
Does it help when you team up with an actor whom you have worked with in the past?
Yes, of course. For Our Souls at Night in particular, it was so easy and comfortable being back in a movie with Robert. It is something I’ll treasure for whatever is left of my life. For Barefoot in the Park (1967), we played newlyweds and we checked into the Plaza Hotel in New York. Now, getting to do that again in Our Souls at Night at 80 truly tickled me.