Great Film For The Actors But Old News For Me
Hey folks,
Watching the first half hour of this film, it seemed like it was probably a lot of fun for the actors working in it. It was all so light hearted and quirky. What is not to like?
For me, the film was an old story that has been done more than I care to remember. I was there in the 1060s, married and in college, and protesting the war. I was not, however, a member of the hippy culture nor a member of the drug culture. I liked folk music (still do), but was never able to find much of value in the hippy culture. By the time of Woodstock, I was out of college, working, and the father of an 18 month old daughter. I am one of a dozen or so folks who did not attend Woodstock. I guess that was my loss.
Watching this film brought back some of the worst images of those hippy days of the 1960s. Who in their right mind would want to live in a house where chickens roam freely? Who in their right mind would encourage their grandchildren to smoke pot and have promiscuous sex? I know there are folks like that, but it did not appeal to me then, and I find no interest in it now. Been there, done...well, you know the rest.
There was a time when Jane Fonda was very naïve about the history of Viet Nam as well as our own American history. She was on the Dick Cavett show one night and was absolutely stupid in her protestations about the war. Even Cavett, who was a pretty nice gentleman on his show, could not believe how naïve she was and said something like, "Come on, Fonda. You can't believe that!"
Jane Fonda was stupid at the time and did some stupid things in Viet Nam. Since then she has regretted her actions and apologized many times for her youthful stupid. In spite of her apologies, many folks still insist on calling her "Hanoi Jane" whenever possible. I happened to be against the war also, but I was embarrassed by some of her actions at the time. In fact, she was so bad I used to wish she would have been on the other side of the argument.
Well, many years have passed. Jane Fonda has learned a lot since then, and I have always enjoyed her acting talents and envied her youthful looks. Why she did this film and this character is beyond me. Had I been in her shoes, I would have passed on this subject.
No matter, I will still continue to enjoy her work. She is a good actress, and I suspect a pretty good human being.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile