The life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been the subject of numerous books, news articles, TV programs and feature films. One of the most noted was presented through the documentary "RBG" by Julie Cohen and Betsy West. It earned high praise when it was released in May and topped out at the box office in the United States with a scant bit more than $14 million.
That's good money for a documentary, but shows that only a small fraction of filmgoers will watch one in theaters.
"On the Basis of Sex" _ a film that also deals with Ginsburg's life _ has a far better chance of drawing a larger audience. While it presents the valuable facts and moments that have made Ginsburg one of the most important women of the past century, it also presents her life as both a legal drama and a sweet and endearing love story. Those elements will make this examination far more palatable to the general public.
The film starts with Ginsburg (Felicity Jones, "The Theory of Everything") as one of only nine women allowed to attend Harvard Law School in a class of 500 in 1956 and goes through the landmark tax case she and her husband, Marty (Armie Hammer, "Call Me by Your Name"), argued that became a turning point in women's rights. Director Mimi Leder ("Shameless") blends Ginsburg's legal and family worlds into a beautifully presented package.
Both major elements of the film work because of Jones, who tosses her name into the Oscar ring with her performance. She finds a way to play Ginsburg with fire and passion while dealing with a sexist world.
Jones pulls no punches, whether she's battling with legal points or dealing with family issues. It was necessary to find an actor who could get across Ginsburg's ferocious nature without stripping away her humanity.
Leder also found Jones' perfect acting partner in Hammer. Even when he looms over Jones, there is a real feeling they are two people who have always treated each other as equals. Hammer's best moment comes when outside elements force Marty to take away most of his wife's legal moments in a big trial that could forever change the way the courts view gender discrimination. He's able to show both the pain of knowing what he has done to his wife while also never damaging the deep connection they have.
A lot of the credit for the love story goes to writer Daniel Stiepleman, who brought intimate knowledge to the film. He is Ginsburg's nephew and had the opportunity to get notes from his aunt while penning the script. It's the kind of knowledge that makes for a good documentary but turns into a great drama.
In one scene, a woman meeting Ginsburg says, "I thought she would be bigger." Through smart writing and fearless acting, "On the Basis of Sex" shows Ginsburg has been a giant in the legal world who also found time to be a wife and mother. That's a story that a larger audience than a documentary can attract needs to see.
