INTERVIEW WITH JANE FONDA ('Viola'):
How was your relationship with your own mother-in-laws?
I’ve had three and they were all great. Whew!
Getting back in front of camera must have been an emotional experience for you.
The moving day was the first day that I was actually in front of a
camera after 15 years, which was the costume and make-up test that
everybody does. Before the camera rolled for the first test, Robert
Luketic just got everybody quiet and said, “Welcome back Ms. Fonda,” and
I cried I was so moved.
Did you base Viola on anyone you know?
My favorite ex-husband, Ted Turner (laughing). I know that may sound
really weird, but I had the privilege of spending 10 years with Ted
Turner and talk about over the top, outrageous… I mean every day with
Ted is like, “Oh my God, I can’t believe he just said that or did that.”
He’s the only person I know who’s had to apologize more than I’ve had [to]. He is an absolute hoot and he is outrageous and he lacks any self-censorship. And at the same time, he’s extremely lovable and I had never known anyone like him. So when I got an opportunity to play Viola, it was like I had permission to be over the top because I knew what that could look like. I don’t mean to say that because it’s called “Monster-in-Law” that he’s a monster. I’m crazy about the man. Absolutely adore him and we’re close friends. Do you know what I’m saying? It’s like, just go all the way, hit for the fences.
What was it like working with Jennifer Lopez? Was it anything like you
expected?
I worried that she’d be a diva, but at least I didn’t see that at all.
She was professional. She was on time. She knew her lines. She’s very
smart. We got along great. I didn’t get to know her super well because
she’s so busy. The time that she was able to stay on set in between
takes we would talk and enjoy each other. It was fun.
What would your character say if she met Jane Fonda?
What an interesting question. She’d probably say, “Come here,” and
she’d probably step outside the cameras and say, “What was he like in
bed?” (Laughing) We’d dish. I think Viola would be fascinated with my
life and we’d have a lot to talk about. Publicly what would she ask me?
The same sort of things you’re asking me. Smart questions.
What made you stop everything 15 years ago?
It had become agony. I was not happy inside as a woman and I was kind
of in denial about it and sort of cut off from my emotions. I was living
on willpower and it’s very hard to be creative when you’re living on
willpower.
My last two or three movies were just agony and I said, “I don’t want to be scared anymore.” Then I met Ted Turner and I didn’t have to. And then when Ted and I split up, I spent five years writing my autobiography so for 15 years I’ve been under the radar, extremely happy, [and] didn’t miss it at all. Then this character was offered to me of Viola Fields and I’ve never played anybody like her. I just went, “What a hoot! I’m so different than I was 15 years ago. I’m not living in my head anymore. Let me see if this can be a joyful experience again.” And it was.
What are your concerns about age and Hollywood and where you fit in?
I’m realistic. Hollywood is not so friendly to older women. I’ve had my
career. I’m not looking to recreate a career. If I get an opportunity
to play fun characters again from time to time that would be great. But
I’m kind of relieved that I’m at a point where, “Hey, if you want me
fine. If you don’t, fine. I don’t care.” It’s not who I am.
How has getting back into the spotlight been for you?
My life has been open to the public and judged for many, many decades
and I have been under the radar for 15 years. I wrote the book because
I have come to some understanding in my life and what the themes are,
and I knew that if I wrote it honestly that it would help people. I
liked the fact that just about the time the book was coming out I could
do this movie that was funny, which is not what people associate me
with - even though I’ve done a lot of comedies.
It was like for the last few months I’ve known that there was going to be this wall of public scrutiny coming toward me and you just gird your loins get ready. You just sort of say, “OK, one more day down. Check.” About mid-June it will be over.
PAGE 2: Jane Fonda on Festering Hostilities, Her Autobiography, and "Barbarella"
