“Cracking the Ceiling,” a review of “On the Basis of Sex” by Nathan H. Box
Recommendation: 4/5 Stars, SHOWTIME
Director: Mimi Leder, Writer: Daniel Stiepleman, Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux
Plot: “The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that leads to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.” -IMBD
Review: Long before Hillary Clinton put all those cracks in the glass ceiling, women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg were on the front line trying to change the course of history and setting the stage for the first woman to accept her major party’s nomination for President of the United States of America. “On the Basis of Sex,” is Justice Ginsburg’s story and shows there is more than one path to righting a wrong.
The marriage between Ruth Bader Ginsburg played by Felicity Jones and Martin Ginsburg played by Armie Hammer flew in the face of the relationships we often see portrayed from this era; think “Mad Men.” Instead, their marriage was an equal partnership. Martin believed in Ruth’s greatness and never did anything, as far as we can tell, to stand in her way. In this film, that chemistry is real and feels authentic. Even after they both graduate from law school, Martin finds himself practicing tax law at a major New York City firm while Ruth finds denial at every turn, it is Martin who brings a case to Ruth that provides a cause to fight for in an effort to change things.
The case she focuses on is peculiar because it is based on the discrimination of a man on the basis of sex. Yet, it is this case that serves as a building block for the first real radical change since suffrage. With the assistance of the ACLU and her doting husband, Ruth pours herself into every facet of the case. The weight of the possible and what can be accomplished feels lofty of the shoulders of Felicity Jones, as she embodies the young lawyer. As she argues the case before three men, we feel real nerves and as if we are on the precipice of something much bigger than ourselves.
From that case, real social change began, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg became one of the most consequential figures in American history. This film does a decent job of calling that destiny into question, therefore creating the drama an audience member needs to feel invested. It also sets the stage for the next generation of activists arguing for a more just and equitable society. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it is hard to not leave the theater feeling inspired by this film.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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