If you want to make a movie about a timely subject, you can't go wrong with the Supreme Court right now. Weeks ago, Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his surprise retirement, prompting a nationwide frenzy as Democrats and Republicans contemplated the future of the Court. Many left-leaning politicians and citizens hoped that Kennedy would stay on for much longer, keeping another pick out of the hands of Donald Trump. But that didn't happen, and with Kennedy gone, all attention now turns to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Appointed by Bill Clinton, the 85-year-old Justice has been a liberal stalwart on the Court for decades, consistently making progressive decisions that have pushed the country in new directions. In the Trump era, Ginsburg has turned into something of a liberal hero, holding strong and avoiding retirement in the hopes of a Democratic president's election in 2020. Ginsburg's life already formed the basis of this year's hit documentary RBG, but in just a few short months, the icon will be getting the biopic treatment in Mimi Leder's On the Basis of Sex. Yesterday, Focus Features released the first trailer- watch it below!
On paper, there's a lot to like here. Felicity Jones is a great actress, and after her foray into blockbuster territory with Rogue One, I'm glad to see her take center stage in a prestige picture. When he's not leading the way in films like Call Me By Your Name, Armie Hammer is a great added-value piece for any movie, a charismatic and likable screen presence. And of course, when you have a supporting cast that includes Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates, Jack Reynor, and more, it's hard to go wrong.
But at the same time, this is clear and obvious Oscar bait, the kind of movie that is just begging to be nominated for awards. Last year, it was Darkest Hour and The Post. This year, On the Basis of Sex will be at the top of the list. The trailers for these biopics are all cut in a similar fashion, focused on pop music, crowd-pleasing lines, and a sense of intensified drama. Those are the things that get audiences into theaters, but it turns these trailers into enigmas. From this first look, On the Basis of Sex looks somewhat toothless, dragged down by a weird lighting scheme that makes everything appear overlit. At the same time, the cast and subject matter demand our attention.
On the Basis of Sex will arrive in limited release on Christmas Day.
Image: Focus Features/IMDb
On paper, there's a lot to like here. Felicity Jones is a great actress, and after her foray into blockbuster territory with Rogue One, I'm glad to see her take center stage in a prestige picture. When he's not leading the way in films like Call Me By Your Name, Armie Hammer is a great added-value piece for any movie, a charismatic and likable screen presence. And of course, when you have a supporting cast that includes Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates, Jack Reynor, and more, it's hard to go wrong.
But at the same time, this is clear and obvious Oscar bait, the kind of movie that is just begging to be nominated for awards. Last year, it was Darkest Hour and The Post. This year, On the Basis of Sex will be at the top of the list. The trailers for these biopics are all cut in a similar fashion, focused on pop music, crowd-pleasing lines, and a sense of intensified drama. Those are the things that get audiences into theaters, but it turns these trailers into enigmas. From this first look, On the Basis of Sex looks somewhat toothless, dragged down by a weird lighting scheme that makes everything appear overlit. At the same time, the cast and subject matter demand our attention.
On the Basis of Sex will arrive in limited release on Christmas Day.
Image: Focus Features/IMDb
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