Susan Lacy has received multiple Emmy and PGA Awards. She created PBS’ “American Masters.” Her directing credits include “Spielberg,” “Judy Garland: By Myself,” and “Joni Mitchell: A Woman of Heart and Mind.”
“Jane Fonda in Five Acts” premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival on January 20.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
SL: Girl next door, sex icon, activist, fitness tycoon, and Oscar-winning actress. Jane Fonda has lived a life marked by controversy, tragedy, and transformation — and she’s done it all in the public eye.
This film goes to the heart of who she really is — a blend of deep vulnerability, magnetism, and bravery — to show what has fueled her inspiring, remarkable life.
Born out of 21 hours of interviews, Fonda speaks candidly and frankly about her life. The film also includes interviews with Fonda’s family and friends — including Tom Hayden, Ted Turner, Robert Redford, and Lily Tomlin, as well as rare home movies and vérité of Fonda’s busy life now.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
SL: When Jane Fonda turned 60 she began a journey of self-discovery, which was documented in her 2005 autobiography. As a longtime admirer, I was fascinated by her unsparing honesty in documenting her aspirations, mistakes, pain, and attempts to overcome her demons.
I began this film to see where that journey has taken her in the meantime. I feel very privileged that Jane has trusted me with telling a story that is provocative, challenging, emotional, and inspiring.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
SL: When people leave the theater, I hope they will realize that change and growth are possible at any age. It’s never too late to get past the obstacles which get in the way of becoming our best self.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
SL: The biggest challenge in making this film was finding a structure which was true to Jane’s story, but wasn’t entirely linear.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
SL: The film was entirely financed by HBO.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at Sundance?
SL: Sundance is the perfect place to premiere this film. It is a festival which encourages independent, diverse, and provocative voices — perfect for Jane’s story. I am also an alumni of Sundance, having been there in its very early years, so this has personal meaning for me.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
SL: The best advice I ever got is that when asked to comment on someone’s work, tell them everything that is great about it before telling them how you think it could be better.
The worst advice was from my mother who told me I should be a lawyer. I ignored her.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
SL: Create your own opportunities, don’t say no to opportunities put in front of you, believe in yourself, and don’t let less talented men affect your self-esteem.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
SL: “My Brilliant Career” by Gillian Armstrong. I was young when I saw this and was struck by this young writer’s courage to seek her own path and give up Sam Neill. It made me see life’s possibilities differently than I had before.
W&H: Hollywood is in the midst of undergoing a major transformation. Many women and some men in the industry are speaking publicly about their experiences being assaulted and harassed. What do you think of the recently announced anti-sexual harassment Commission made up of industry leaders? Do you believe that it will help make systemic change? What do you think needs to be done to address this issue?
SL: Yes, I do think it will affect some change, but the situation won’t truly be fixed until more women are in executive positions in the industry. Until then, there can be serious and productive dialogue among all as to why this culture was allowed to exist for so long under a prevailing silence.
