RBG (2018)
Judging by the testimonies from young people, the snapshots of Internet memes, and SNL skits shown in RBG, I must be the only person who didn't know Ruth Bader Ginsberg was until now. This never inhibited my appreciation of this documentary who is preaching to the choir, at times is a little workmanlike but nonetheless both informative and entertaining.
Born in 1933, Ruth Ginsberg began her legal studies at a time when it was obligatory for men to outnumber women 4-to-1 at Harvard. Experiencing difficulties in her career due to her gender, this reserved woman whose priority has always been the law became an advocate for gender equality and women's rights before the Supreme Court and, eventually, became the second female justice to be confirmed to the court.
Looking for a female role model? This documentary gives an in-depth look at someone we could all aspire to be. Justice Ruth Ginsberg may be 85, but the fire is still burning inside, and it makes her infinitely compelling. The overview of the cases she brought in front of the Supreme Court makes you hungry for more. Her career has been a long chess match; each appearance before the court moving the United States closer to a place where all are truly equal. You latch onto every detail, eager to go home and read more about her exploits.
What surprised me most are the men who took part in Ginsberg's career. The widower she argued for in Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld, 420 U.S. 636 (1975) - Ruth fought for both men and women who faced injustice due to their gender -, the opponents she struck down and admit their admiration for her technique through interviews, and also her husband, Martin. For those of us who are not gifted with the careful choice of words as Ginsberg is, there's inspiration to be found in knowing you don't have to be on the front line to make a difference.
RBG is inspirational and every fact presented sends a jolt through you, but the circumstances under which I would call this film important won't always be there. There are many people I’d eagerly recommend the film to, and I’m sure they would love it, but the film's watchability mostly comes from Ginsberg, not so much the filmmaking techniques employed. There’s nothing wrong with Betsy West and Julie Cohen’s direction, but in their worship of Ginsberg, they fade away to the background.
For those who know, love, and admire Ruth Bader Ginsberg (I count myself among them now), or for those who have no idea who she is, RBG provides an informative overview and convinces you to care about her. It's come at the right time, and while the filmmaking techniques are not the kind that explodes off the screen, the subject matter compensates. (Theatrical version on the big screen, May 26, 2018)
