Review of Citizen Ruth (1996) by Willem W — 08 Feb 2008

The seeds of Payne's later, better work are sown in this very funny comedy that's not so much about the abortion debate as it is about people's inherent instinct to draw lines, take sides, and stick to a position, no matter how ridiculous.

What I love about Alexander Payne is that he's able to cast a sympathic eye on human weakness, while at the same time point fingers and bray with laughter at how utterly foolish the human race is.

Laura Dern plays Ruth warts and all and manages to find the humanity in someone most of us wouldn't piss on if they were on fire. Great work from Swoozie Kurtz and the fine character actor Kurtwood Smith, who provides one of the best scenes when he's on a pull-out bed with Ruth, telling her what a sinner he USED to be, all the while eyeing her thong that's sticking up out of her pants.

He's trying to be pious, but is edging against animal desire. Mary Kay Place is really good in this as well. Best line: when Ruth's mother says "Baby, don't abort your baby! What if I'd have aborted you?" Ruth's reply "Well then I wouldn't have had to suck your boyfriend's cock!" and the mom says "Oh, that's in the past!".

Great first feature from Mr. Payne.