Stacey Stone’s biographical documentary, The Nona, is the inspiring story of a 93-year-old working actress full of life. I suppose she could be called the female counterpart to 91-year-old William Shatner. Edith Fields’ filmography begins in 1975 and features over 120 film and television appearances. She’s had bit parts and featured roles in projects like St. Elsewhere, L.A. Law, Seinfeld, and recently in American Crime Story, Grace and Frankie, and Modern Family.
All that’s only her work in Hollywood. Fields’ love of acting was born after seeing a production of Death of a Salesman. After a chance run-in with one of the actors, she was encouraged to take classes at the Circle in the Square theater. After growing up in a family that frowned upon the arts, it would be her husband who pushed her into taking classes, which was the start of Fields’ prolific acting career. After moving to Los Angeles, Fields became a famous and seasoned stage actor winning the Los Angeles Drama Critics Awards and seven Drama-Logue Awards. Today, she continues to audition and book acting and voice-over roles.
The Nona shows that age knows no limits. Fields is one of the lucky ones to make a living doing what she loves. The first two acts of the documentary are pretty standard. We see Fields in action going from one audition to the next, as she tells us her story from where it all started. Director Stone peppers the’ storytelling with family photos and some archival images to create visual connections with the subject’s life.
“…a 93-year-old working actress full of life.”
It’s the third act where Fields’ story gets real. Everyone was affected by the pandemic in unique ways, and it was particularly hard for Fields. During a Zoom session with a friend, she becomes deeply introspective after the passing of her husband and months in seclusion during lockdown. Fields reflects on her life and who she was living it for. It’s an engaging and profound moment that leads to what she plans to do for the rest of her life.
Like many independent documentaries, The Nona shines the spotlight on a fascinating person in Edith Fields. Her face feels familiar, and Fields has touched an entire industry in her own sweet way.
For more information about The Nona, visit the Pace Films official website.
"…fascinating...sweet..."
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