On the Basis of Sex

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

[mr_rating_result]

Most everyone knows Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the iconic Supreme Court Justice who can lift weights and stand up to anyone at age 85. But what might not be so apparent is her pioneering work in sex discrimination law, all while being a mother, which was exceptional in the early 1960s. Director Mimi Leder (“Pay It Forward”) directs “On the Basis of Sex,” an earnest, forthright, yet conventionally handled story of Ginsburg as a young woman who made striking and vivid changes to restrictive mindsets and laws.

Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) is married to dashing law student Martin (Armie Hammer). During a party, he suddenly falls ill with cancer, but he manages to go remission with treatment. He graduates and takes job in New York.

As a fellow student at Harvard Law and member of the Law Review, Ruth asks Dean Griswold (Sam Waterston) to allow her to finish her final year of classes at Columbia, as he had done for others, but he refuses. But Columbia agrees to accept her transfer and award her a law degree. Shortly after, she secures a teaching position at Rutgers but not before being turned down twelve times.

On a whim, Martin gives Ruth a case to look over involving a bachelor Moritz (Chris Mulkey) who pursued a tax deduction to take care of his ailing mom, but was denied because the law (known as Section 214) only allowed for deductions to men who were widowers, while imposing no similar restriction on women. There were no provisions for unmarried men or male nurses, in a case that was, on the face of it, archaic and discriminatory. Ginsburg is hooked by the case, compelled to make a difference. She faces opposition every step of the way, confronted by patronizing males, notably Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux) who feels Ruth often goes too far.

The actual Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known as Kiki, is more exciting than this portrait of the trailblazing case, but Felicity Jones gives the role adequate charge, charm and charisma, all of which Ginsburg has in abundance.

Much of the film is taken up by legal talk pertaining to the case and much dialogue. Though compelling, the specifics may lose the laymen.

Hammer does well as the supportive husband and like mind, as does Cailee Spaeny, playing Ginsburg’s daughter. Kathy Bates appears as attorney Dorothy Kenyon, appropriately unsentimental and without pity.

The best part of “On the Basis of Sex” shows a resolute Jones as Ginsburg walking up the Supreme Court steps and suddenly merging into the real notorious RBG, steadfast and calm. The moment is as emotional as Rocky’s jog up the art museum and every one of us can learn and take comfort from her indelible example of living.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com