Review of On the Basis of Sex (2018) by Jane B — 20 Jan 2019
One broach to rule them all. This movie centers around a point in RBG's history when she took a role in a tax law case that her husband, Marty, found. A never married was blocked from claiming a caregiver tax exemption as he was paying a nurse to help care for his ageing mother while he was working as a salesman.
The law then said he was not eligible because he was a man, and the caregiver tax law was written by the legislative branch for women or men who had lost their caregiving women due to death. Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso: Rogue One) gives a compelling performance as RBG.
I think the actual Marty Ginsberg would have been flattered to see the deft performance given by the ever handsome Armie Hammer. The supporting cast (Sam Waterston, Justin Theroux, Cailee Spaeny, etc) are all good.
Kathy Bates appears for a few minutes to wake this movie up and she has about the only old school scenery-chewing lines. They are the best lines aside from a little speech Marty (Hammer) has with daughter Jane (Spaeny).
On The Basis of Sex is a very tightly constructed movie for dramatic effect, (read not historically literal). Every line, and character entrance, exit and glance is built to add to the drama. There is not an ounce of aimless fat in this film.
This movie does not exist in a vacuum separate of the political climate. Honestly the movie can and should be appreciated by everyone, largely for its historical bent and its mastery of dramatic story telling rhythm.
This review of On the Basis of Sex (2018) was written by Jane B on 20 Jan 2019.
On the Basis of Sex has generally received positive reviews.
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