FIRST DAY IN FRONT OF CAMERA WITH THE CAST

Yesterday we all were filmed in a small studio on the other side of Paris. Waaaay on the other side! It was the first time meeting Claude Rich. All the others—Geraldine Chaplin, Pierre Richard who plays my husband, Guy Bedos who plays Geraldine’s husband, and he German actor, Daniel Bruhl—met many months ago when I passed through Paris on my way from Dusseldorf and we had a wonderful dinner together with the director and producers in Mont Martres.

The director decided the dance Claude and I do will not be the Tango—too formal and “prepared”–but, instead, just a dance that is easier to improvise. I’m a little sad because I was enjoying learning the tango steps. Oh well.

I was so enthralled with meeting everyone and being in front of the camera that I forgot to take any pictures for this blog. Dang! I think, I felt and everyone said, that we all looked great together…very familiar and at ease. Dominic, the hairstylist, cut my hair a little shorter which looks good for the character. I like the way he and the makeup artist, Fabienne (I got her name wrong on my last blog), are making me look. Not glamorous but right. I decided I will not go to the rushes. I don’t want to become self-conscious with how I look. I’ve got enough to worry about with the French dialogue.

Last night a friend from Atlanta, Mark Benerofe, called and asked me to dinner. Actually, he invited me to go to the French open Tennis tournament with him but I had to decline cause we were working but I wish I could have gone. My friend, Martina Navratilova was doing the commentary and I could have seen her.

Anyway, Mark and I and his friend, Perry Cantarutti (Senior VP of my favorite airline, Delta, for Europe, the Middle East and Africa) had dinner at Café Flore on Blvd St Germain on the left bank. I hadn’t been there for such a long time. I’m going to take Richard there for lunch when he comes mid June.

That’s Perry on the left and Mark on the right...Tulea in the middle.

I just finished rehearsing with Pierre Richard and our director, Stephane, here in my apartment and now I am going to look for a hotel near me for Troy and Simone who are coming June 8th for 3 days before we go to St Tropez for my daughter, Vanessa’s, wedding to Paul Van Winkle, whom I like a lot. I am very happy for them. The wedding will take place in the home of Catherine Schneider, whom Vadim (my first husband) married after me. She and I are good friends and I look forward to seeing Vadim’s family at the wedding—his sister, Helene, his niece and nephew and other children, including his son with Catherine, Vania Vadim. Tomorrow Catherine and I will go to Vania’s photo exhibition and have dinner after.

See you next time.

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17 Comments
  1. Wow, you are never bored. Shame that I live in the Czech Republic. You’re my best … And I never could see in person and I am very sorry. Even if I am 15 years old, you’re best for me!

  2. Jane….you look happy…radiant…distingue….as always.

    David_Lake_ on twitter

  3. Hello, Jane!

    Sounds like you’re off to a good start with the new film (although, how could not, shooting in the City of Light!). Loved the photo of you and your pals at Café Flor, one of my favorite spots in Paris (moi aussi, it’s been years since I’ve been there). And I really enjoyed Monday’s photos of your dance lesson…alas, as you noted, it is sad you won’t be doing the tango in the film, but hopefully this won’t be your last tango in Paris (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

    Bonne chance…à bientot,

    -Tom

  4. ” . . .and now I am going to look for a hotel near me for Troy and Simone who are coming June 8th for 3 days . . . ”

    http://www.espritsaintgermain.com/flash/index.html

    This is a boutique hotel in rue Saint Sulpice, 6eme, with a terrific top floor (<>) small apartment with a balcony that has a splendid view of the grand manse (or the wonderful backside) of the Eglise Saint Sulpice.

    I stayed there in that room as it was then, year 2000, with the balcony when it was the Hotel Senat. The rates were very moderate then and the facade was on the National Heritage list.

    It became the Hotel de toutes les Saints then there was further ownership when a developer gave the works to it to become the most expensive boutique hotel in Paris as it is now.

    Not “une ballade” near you but is a short vehicle ride along Bld Saint Germain then across the bridge which you traversed to take the photos that you put on your blog and there you are at Eve Ensler’s flat.

    It really was terrific in 2000. It’s a little to posh for me – 30euros par nuit is what I still seek to find ! Can be found _ Issy-les Moulineaux!

    Check out that one black shoe that Pierre Richard may be still carrying round !

  5. Oh don’t you love creating art! I am so glad you are doing a French film.

  6. Can’t wait for the movie. Please post pic’s of the wedding.

  7. Hello Jane,salut

    When you undertake to dance you become ready to move beyond life’s fears. You acquire a way to celebrate life’s romance. Sometimes any expression is you. Nice to see Geraldine Chaplin in a new film she has a real quality about her, a human expression. I can see you two working off each other ,sounds right , was even thinking about my script with a Geraldine Chaplin as the deaf woman ,wuld have to change things , perhaps a new story about two women one going blind the other deaf, with you two anything seems like it would work.
    I’m moving along not sure if this film will ever get made, yet hoping to find the right combination of drama and humor that will hint at the hero’s partial redemption, a older woman as a hero, not a lot of them on film or is there?
    was thinking on what Gregory Peck said:Tough times don’t last, tough people do, remember?
    Have a good shoot Jane

  8. Hi Mrs Fonda,

    i just can’t believe that you are living in Paris right now, the city where i live too,
    i can’t believe that i could go to the “café Le Flore” and actually meet you there….

    You are my favorite actress, and i love your personality very much.

    as french, i can say, i am so proud that you are working on a french movie, and i am sure it will be a hit movie.

    all my love to you,and enjoy your stay in Paris

    Lucy

  9. Jane, you look absolutely fabulous and Perry is very cute. With a name like Perry Cantarutti, how can a guy not be sexy? Is he single? LOL!!

    I love how Tulea is always by your side. It’s a lot like Streisand (whom you have said, I believe, you owe a big “thank you” regarding the parts she passed on in the 60s and 70s that you made classics, if I’m not mistaken).

    Funny thing how those things work out: sometimes, it’s all meant to be. Although IMO nobody could ever play Bree Daniels except you, I thought Streisand could have tapped into a side of her that may have been jaw dropping.

    It sounds like your project is really inspired–so wonderful when the cast and crew become family in a very short period of time.

    Have a great weekend!

  10. France is SO civilized! A dog allowed at table in a restaurant! My Maltese Lady Baltimore Ivy is packed and ready to move to Paris! Jane, Paris as a backdrop SOOO suits you beautifully!

  11. I sure do admire your long term friendships, how your family is so connected to each other. You set a very positive example in your relationships. Thank you for sharing it to inspire others for what is possible.

  12. as the other ones whose coms are right above my head thanks for sharing! so nice to read! as you know being in Paris, it’s rainy and cloudy, but here on your blog it’s shining, happiness, familial sibs, joy, ,arts, movie , humor often,Tullea..people with an heart for animals have an heart for people too, in summary, an uncredible gift for life! fine Jane!

  13. My two cents worth: for God’s sake, go to the rushes. You will SEE how you look and not be worrying about it. Otherwise, you will be worrying about it in the back of your head all the time. And you don’t need to have that extra worry in your head (you’ve got enuf there, right?) It’s not the known that drives us nuts, it’s the unknown.
    The Tango might be put back in, you never know.
    Best wishes to Vanessa and Paul on their upcoming nuptuals. Vanessa Vadim Van Winkle – what a fabulous name!

  14. Hi Jane!
    Too bad about not taking any pictures during the first day in front of the cameras.I’m sure it must have been fun as Pierre Richard is quite a character.
    Its lovely how you’ve remained civil and close with Vadim’s family.You sound an integrated part of their clan.
    I can imagine the joy when you reunite with Troy,Vanessa & their families very soon.You must be so proud of them & their acievements.
    I live near Le Trocadera and I hope to one day cross your path if you’re ever in the area.Who knows?It would really make my day.Take care Jane!

    Jeanne

  15. Hi Jane!
    Too bad about not taking any pictures during the first day in front of the cameras.I’m sure it must have been fun as Pierre Richard is quite a character.
    Its lovely how you’ve remained civil and close with Vadim’s family.You sound an integrated part of their clan.
    I can imagine the joy when you reunite with Troy,Vanessa & their families very soon.You must be so proud of them & their achievements.
    I live near Le Trocadero and I hope to one day cross your path if you’re ever in the area.Who knows?It would really make my day.Take care Jane!

    Jeanne

  16. These are great pics! It’s so exciting since the filming has started! You are going to have so much fun working on this movie! I’m excited for your daughter! The wedding sounds like it will be a festive time for everyone! Hope we can see some pictures!

  17. Hi Jane,
    When were you last in Toronto? Are you going to attend the International Film Festival in Sept. in Toronto? Thanks

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