Citizen Ruth (1996) ***1/2 [Payne Train Pt. 1]

Alexander Payne's feature debut, Citizen Ruth (1996) is a highly amusing satire of the still pertinent hot button topic of abortion and the fanaticism surrounding it. The excellent cast, which reunites Laura Dern (superb here) and Mary Kay Place—who starred together in Joyce Chopra's 1985 Smooth Talk (review)—approaches caricature but there is undeniable level of truth to their portrayals. Payne's film attempts to remain objective on the issue, instead highlighting Dern's character's desire (and sometimes confusion) about what to do with her life, being caught in the middle of a media circus and those on both sides seeking gain for their cause. Nowhere is this more implicit than in Ruth’s pitch perfect ending.

Alexander Payne Feature Films Ranked