By Sarah Lynch Baldwin
/ CBS News
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on "Moving On"
Longtime friends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin co-star in a new film about two women seeking revenge on the husband of their late best friend.
Fonda said she was "shocked" at the audience's reaction to one of her key lines in the dark comedy "Moving On." The line is: "I'm gonna kill you. ... I'm gonna do it this weekend."
"I saw the movie with an audience, and they laughed," Fonda said. "I was shocked. I thought I'd failed."
But Tomlin said she knew Fonda's delivery of the line was funny — and praised her co-star.
"When you play it straight, really heavy, it makes it ... much funnier," Tomlin said to Fonda Friday on the set of "CBS Mornings." "You're arrogant in it. You're everything. It's amazing."
Fonda and Tomlin first worked together in the classic 1980 movie "9 to 5." They've been close friends ever since and have collaborated on many projects including the popular TV series "Grace and Frankie," which ended last year after seven seasons.
Fonda said she knew more than 40 years ago that she wanted to work with Tomlin after seeing her perform a one-woman show.
"That was it. I was in love. I mean, I just, I've never seen anything like it," Fonda said about Tomlin's performance. "She became so many different people, and just became them profoundly."
When it came to making "9 to 5," Fonda said, "I just thought, 'Well, I'm not going to make a movie about secretaries unless she's in it. I don't want to ever do anything without her.' I just was smitten."
After decades of parallel thriving careers, Tomlin said she called the director of "Moving On," Paul Weitz, and asked him to write something specifically for her and Fonda.
"It's just so natural and easy" for the two to work together, Tomlin said. "And people say we have chemistry. We don't know why or how, but it all works for us."
"Moving On" will be released in theaters on March 17.
Sarah Lynch Baldwin is associate managing editor of CBSNews.com. She oversees "CBS Mornings" digital content, helps lead national and breaking news coverage and shapes editorial workflows.
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As someone deeply entrenched in the world of entertainment and film, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the discussion on Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin's latest collaboration, "Moving On." My expertise extends beyond casual fandom, as I've closely followed the careers of both actresses, delving into their filmography and understanding the nuances of their performances.
The CBS News article by Sarah Lynch Baldwin on March 10, 2023, sheds light on the dynamic between Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the upcoming film "Moving On." Fonda and Tomlin, longtime friends and collaborators, play lead roles in this dark comedy centered around seeking revenge on the husband of their late best friend.
Jane Fonda's revelation about the unexpected audience reaction to a key line in the movie provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of comedic timing and delivery. Fonda's shock at the laughter underscores the challenge of gauging audience responses, even for seasoned performers. Lily Tomlin's insightful commentary on Fonda's performance adds depth to the understanding of the comedic elements, emphasizing the effectiveness of playing it "straight" and "really heavy."
The article also touches upon the enduring friendship and professional relationship between Fonda and Tomlin, dating back to their collaboration in the classic 1980 movie "9 to 5." Their connection, evident in projects like the popular TV series "Grace and Frankie," which concluded after seven seasons, adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry.
A pivotal moment in their collaboration is highlighted when Fonda recalls being captivated by Tomlin's one-woman show more than 40 years ago. This personal connection and admiration for each other's talents played a crucial role in shaping their shared cinematic journey.
The behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of "Moving On" reveals the organic nature of their collaboration. Tomlin's proactive approach in calling the director, Paul Weitz, to write something specifically for her and Fonda emphasizes the unique bond they share, transcending mere professional partnerships.
"Moving On" is set to hit theaters on March 17, marking another chapter in the storied careers of these two iconic actresses. As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, I find this collaboration to be a testament to the enduring appeal and talent of Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
