MovieChat Forums > On Golden Pond (1982) Discussion > So sue, me: I hated this movie

So sue, me: I hated this movie

posted 16 years ago by rivergirl301
52 replies | jump to latest

I just have to vent. I watched this last night again--haven't seen it for quite some time--and didn't feel free to express my true feelings because it is one of my boyfriend's favorite movies. I was just left with the following questions: Could Henry Fonda ever act? I know he was old in this movie and died not long after he won the Oscar, but his acting was pretty much the worst in my recent memory. Did they just want to pair Henry Fonda and Hepburn, never mind that Fonda couldn't act his way out of a paper bag? Can anyone stand Hepburn's voice for longer than 30 seconds? What were they thinking when they came up with ridiculous scene where Hepburn is singing and dancing in the woods and Jane F. joins her for the last verse? Would anyone really be such as *beep* as to meet someone's father and in the first 5 minutes ask if the father cares if he and the daughter sleep together in the house? Couldn't Jane and Dabny's character have some respect for her parents and Dabny's son for a few nights and sleep in separate rooms--or go to bed in separate rooms and sneak together until early a.m.? What the hell kind of father (Dabny) promises to spend the summer with his kid and then ditches the poor kid w/his girlfriend's elderly, elderly parents--and threatens to send the kid back to his mother's if he doesn't get with the program? Just a hell of a guy there. There. I feel somewhat better, but not as well as I would have had I not had to watch this cr*p for 2 hours.

[–] Dave_at_23 16 years ago

You just don't like the movie, that's all.
But you have no idea what it takes to act convincingly.

Go take some acting lessons, and you will understand.

Fonda made it look so effortless

[–] Serpico1988 16 years ago

See you in court.

[–] mwbaker-1 16 years ago

You have your opinion and its ok to share it, but in my opinion this is one of the best movies ever.

[–] shots_up_10 16 years ago

so why'd ya watch it again if you didn't like it the first time?

It's all make believe, isn't it?- Marilyn Monroe

[–] ryan-depratto 16 years ago

I watched this movie in english class and had to compare it to Stone angel quite possibly one of the worst books of all time. I thought this was a pretty decent movie, Norman was hilarious but i could not stand Hepburn.

[–] Starduster 11 years ago

Perhaps I am wierd in this respect, but I have seen movies that I really didnt like the first time, but the second time I LOVED them. I sometimes "get a feel" for a movie that I dont like but I feel it deserves a second chance. Sometimes it works out well the second time, sometimes it doesnt. But at least I gave it a try.
On the other side of the coin, there are movies I see a second time and I dont really understand what I liked the first time. Not often, but it has happened.

As to the OP, I dont really get his point about the acting OR some of the plot points. The actors they chose FIT the parts they are playing. Aging actors doing a movie about aging. If he finds the performances less than perfect, he will come to realize that when you age, life is definately less than perfect in many respects. Its tough to accept much of what abilities you had but donmt have anymore. Its frustrating.
As you age and scream at the frustration you are not screaming at a person, as much as you are screaming at life itself and what it has taken from you; and what it has put in the place of what was taken.

[–] MovieDeal 16 years ago

To the the OP, walk away from the computer...that's right....just step away slowly....And while you're at it, walk away from any other films that are considered "classic". ;-)

I appreciate anyone else's opinions on this site. But, when someone uses the word "hate" they need to be put down a few notches. This film, by no means necessary, should be a "hated" film. Honestly, there are many, MANY films that deserve that title. I only hope that the OP is just someone who wants to rile the populace and make an outrageous statement just to gain attention, or worse, an accepting voice. In either case, I think that the OP will be otherwise overwhelmed by the response that doesn't concur with his/her opinions. That's alright. Just make sure that he/she doesn't make any other proposed "opinions" known on an otherwise knowledgeable film website. Because, obviously, this person is either bating conflict, or, totally clueless. By the way, I LOVED this movie. And I haven't even seen this for years. It's about time that I revisited this soon. Thank you!

[–] Redpunkboy 16 years ago

So I'm assuming the OP's a Steven Seagal Fan. But anyway there's no point posting a topic about why you hated a movie, for one it's a classic. I'm sure lots of people find Gone with the Wind boring but it's still a classics nonetheless. For the record I'm writing a list for you of what in my opinion are amazing films/performances Henry Fonda was a part of.

1.Jezebel
2.Young Mr. Lincoln
3.The Grapes of Wrath
4.The Lady Eve
5.The Ox-Bow Incident
6.The Fugitive
7.Mister Roberts
8.The Wrong Man
9.The Longest Day
10.How the West Was Won
11.The Best Man
12.A Big Hand for the Little Lady
13.The Boston Strangler
14.Once Upon a Time in the West
15.There Was a Crooked Man...
16.Sometimes a Great Notion

etc.

I find it funny how you said he couldn't act himself out of a paper bag, why would he be considered as one of America's Greatest actors? Watch any three of those and if you still think he can't act then it's you who has the problem and you are therefore more suited for Hollywood ilk such as Hancock.

:)

Rant over

[–] jrs-8 16 years ago

My lawyer will be contacting yours.

Seriously, Redpunkboy did an excellent job of listing Henry Fonda's credits though tsk tsk to him for forgetting "12 Angry Men." I think we can put this "couldn't act his way out of a paper bag" business to rest.

As for Miss Hepburn, personally I think she is the true star of this movie and holds it all together. Her voice drove you nuts after 30 seconds? Obviously you weren't at all into the movie but, hey, that's you and your opinion and that's fine.

[–] jaddeo 16 years ago

Henry Fonda's greatest performance is in Otto Preminger's masterpiece DAISY KENYON.

[–] joshfarcone 16 years ago

I think it's hilarious you all bash on the OP so much...that's basically hate....such a strong word. Just because she doesn't like a certain "classic" film, well that must mean she doesn't appreciate any classic films that have plot/story/acting/etc. I found this film to be enthralling, acting was great, and I just loved the atmosphere. Anyhow, thats my opinion.... and because she came on here venting out of frustration with trying to like the film, I can understand that she just doesn't enjoy it...... and sure it's hard think (if they didn't enjoy such a classic like this.....how could they enjoy anything similar)....

So who knows, I get damn annoyed at those ignorant people who automatically deem someone as a retard and tell them to go watch some Hollywood published adhd film with no value whatsoever. Because anyone who doesn't agree with you is obviously deemed an idiot and should stick to his Shoot Em Up movie genre, am I right? geez......you're as ignorant as her for saying that.....blah blah blah

To the OP: Not a good idea to vent your hate on a film's forum, especially when it is one of the classics....it's hard to dislike this film....let alone hate it.

[–] Jane_Doe01 15 years ago

She claimed that Henry Fonda couldn't act. That Henry friggin Fonda couldn't friggin act. For you to waste your time defending someone who makes a statement like that, especially in light of the fact that you actually disagree with her opinion, you've got a be trying to get a date or something. Seriously, WHY get so uptight about a few people getting sarcastic with a poster who made some incredibly ignorant and uninformed comments? What's up in general with manners policers like yourselves, and your always taking it so personally when someone else gets attacked? You expect everything to always be kumbaya around here?

I think the rather daft OP had to know that she was inviting responses like these and perhaps worse. She didn't articulate her opinion very intelligently or respectfully, so why should she get respect? And the girl is free to stand up for her own self against the onslaught of cyber assaults (lol). I mean this is the internet, pal. People are going to say whatever is on their mind no matter how good or bad, because they can, because it won't go beyond that. Anyone who's skin is too thin to handle the prospect of being insulted on the internet either wouldn't be, or at least shouldn't be posting here.
Also, who actually used the word "hate" in their retorts to her? The OP actually used the word, so you can't compare her post to everyone's reactions.

[–] humility 16 years ago

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. That's one of the many blessings of this great country of ours. So, because I am as entitled as the person who started this thread, I'll add my opinion. I have worked in the film and television industry for over 37 years and have been fortunate to have worked on both excellent and painfully bad films. I was called to work a few days on "Golden Pond" and scheduling allowed me to extend that amazing experience to 6 and 1/2 weeks. The scenes between Jane and Henry were intense and profoundly genuine. Ms. Hepburn is an American icon. When asked what my most vivid memory of my career is, I always fondly refer to this film. I'll close with a piece of trivia. The first hat worn by Mr. Fonda in the film was a gift from Ms. Hepburn that she received from Spencer Tracy.

Respectfully,

Bobby Porter

[–] Thor777 16 years ago

Humility (Bobby Porter)
WOW. You are a lucky man. I have a question for you but first I need to respond to the OP. I am moved to tears by this film. Everytime I see it. Ms. Hepburn is, well, what really needs to be said of her acting. What was it, 4 Oscars. She did hold the film together, much like Ethel held Norman together. But to say Henry Fonda can't act.... When I watch this film it doesn't look like acting, it looks and sounds like two people in the twilight of their lives talking. One of whom is facing his own mortality and is angry about it. Henry Fonda was around 80 when he made this film, how well of an actor could any of us be at that age. I'd say he was brilliant. That said though the most powerful scene was between Hepburn and Jane Fonda when Chelsea gets back from Europe. When Ethel slaps Chelsea and proclaims "That old son-of-a-bitch happens to be my husband." That whole scene is in my top 5 of all time. SO powerful, so much raw emotion. I could go on and on.
Now my question. Mr. Porter. Were you able to watch the actual filming? I always wondered, what does a director say to Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda when they're setting up a scene? I wouldn't think his job would be too tough. What are your best memories of watching this being filmed?

[–] wolfy_61 15 years ago

No Problem here.As others have said,you are entitled to your opinion.I just watched it again,of course,after many years.I think it IS a classic and I loved it.
I think what you have to keep in mind here is that it was a screen adaptation of a play.Directed by a person with lots of television experience.I see that in the presentation.It's ok.
All forms of entertainment,(books,plays,poetry,movies,and campfire stories)are intended to make others connect somehow.
If I say the writing seemed stiff,and the direction simple,then I MIGHT be justified.But I don't look at these works in that way.These are a pair of great actors,with immense talent,and the directors,Cast,and producers did a good job of connecting with most folks,depending on what they brought to the showing with them.Be sure to get that last part.Things like life experience,what is a person interested in,and what do they NOT want to face,or think about.I feel that way about slasher flicks and gore fest.Won't sit through them for anyone.
This is definately one of those character studies,that can bring up feelings.
I checked the profile of rivergirl301 and this title just looks out of place there.I only hope She got to choose the next movie they watched.

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[–] lookout2 15 years ago

I love Fonda as much as the next person. However, i will admit that at times he could be very wooden. His performance in 12 angry men was one of the most powerful performances of all time and i loved him in Cera Una Volta Il West though at times i felt he was being fed his lines.

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[–] netshopper-2 15 years ago

No "student of cinema" would place Jane Fonda on the same plane as Jessica Alba. Check out Klute and Coming Home for starters. The last time I checked, Alba has no wins or noms or critcally acclaimed work, whatsoever.

Your important-to-only-yourself assessment of On Golden Pond is painful to read, especially when you call those that don't agree, lacking in critical thinking skills.

Yes, there were plot points that lacked plausibility...leaving Billy there for a month during precious divorced-dad-custody-time and then saying that he will be living with the newly married couple after the summer.

But, the script did hit on true aspects of many long married couples in their senior years, adults who cannot move past perceived childhood slights from their parents, and both the sad heartfelt and humorous elements of true personalities.

I cried only when Chelsea called Norman "Dad" and they hugged as she left GP. Mostly I chuckled throughout this film at Norman and Billy. I enjoyed the kid in the film. As for Hepburn, she was over the top and obvious in her performance, ironically something she used to label other actresses being. While a critcal character to the film, she should not have won an oscar for this. Henry Fonda deserved his win.

The music and scenery was beautiful as well.

[–] Anzerion 15 years ago

Heh... gotta love people in this thread who are so blinded by their bias toward an actor that they cannot dare criticize something he is a part of. You will never be lovers of cinema if you cannot realize that there is good and bad, that other people have tastes that will differ from yours.

I gave this movie a 5 for being "average, alright, ordinary, practical, working." Because it was nothing more, and a 5 may even be too generous. It was pure soap opera, over dramatized nonsense.

It really went nowhere. It said nothing. The ending was very anti-climatic. The biggest let down of this film was the dialogue. Goodness... the writers of this, SIGH!

And then I see people saying things like, "Oooh, the OP must like Steven Segal." I love how people GENERALIZE like this. You see someone disagree with you so you ASSUME things about them.

It's hilarious because that person's favorite movie (and I hope to god it's not this one) could be YOUR favorite movie too. Their favorite movie may not even be a movie that they think is the greatest.

My favorite movie? Clue (1985). Is it the greatest? Nope.

Favorite
Clue (1985)
Léon (1994)
Before Sunset (2004)
Diner (1982)
The Truman Show (1998)

Greatest
12 Angry Men (1957)
Citizen Kane (1941)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Forrest Gump (1994)

Just keep in mind that people have different opinions, different tastes. They will see different things in movies, they will look for different things, and they will react to different things. There is not a single movie out there, nor book, nor poem, nor painting, nor song, that EVERYONE will either like, or dislike.

In fact, let's go over to They Shoot Pictures Don't They... and look at their list of the 1,000 greatest films:

http://www.theyshootpictures.com/gf1000_all1000films.htm

Well, look at that... Golden Pond isn't even on the list.

[–] emailjohnprince 14 years ago

While this is definitely in my top 10 favorite movies of all time, I have to agree with the original poster---Katherine Hepburn's voice is incredibly annoying.

[–] Jeremy-124 14 years ago

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. For me, this is an OK film with some great scenes. Those scenes are great mainly because of the acting. I'd say Henry Fonda's better in some scenes than others in "In Golden Pond," but when he's on the mark, he's very moving.

Henry Fonda's "I'll be all around in the dark..." speech in "Grapes of Wrath" is one of the most moving scenes ever. His performance is "12 Angry Men" is brilliant. In "The Lady Eve," he shows great comic timing. There are plenty of reasons why he was a legend.