Review of Citizen Ruth (1996) by Mitchell Y — 16 Jul 2007
A strong first film for Alexander Payne, but the movie is two halves that don't always seem to match. Payne is brilliant at social satire and the uber-pro-life movement, headed by That 70's Show's Kurtwood Smith and Swossie Kurtz is hillarious and perfectly played.
However, when Payne tries to touch on the emotional pain of Laura Dern's character and to "serously" deal with the issue of abortion, the film gets bogged down in depression and feels forced.
Payne's writing and direction are best when approaching the issues of pro life/pro choice and government control from a tongue-in-cheek, oblique angle that doesn't directly step on any toes, but is bitingly satirical and comfortingly funny at the same time.
This review of Citizen Ruth (1996) was written by Mitchell Y on 16 Jul 2007.
Citizen Ruth has generally received positive reviews.
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