Citizen Ruth (1996)
Alexander Payne's razor-sharp debut skewers America's abortion debate through the eyes of one gloriously unlikely protagonist.
Citizen Ruth - Movie Information
- Original Title: Citizen Ruth
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Alexander Payne
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 21, 1996 (Greece), May 15, 1997 (Germany), December 1, 1997 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Citizen Ruth - Baby Business (DE)
- Production Companies: Miramax, Independent Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Citizen Ruth - Plot
"Citizen Ruth" is the story of Ruth Stoops, a woman who nobody even noticed -- until she got pregnant. Now, everyone wants a piece of her. The film is a comedy about one woman caught in the ultimate tug-of-war: a clash of wild, noisy, ridiculous people that rapidly dissolves into a media circus.
Citizen Ruth - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold:
Life, liberty, money and the pursuit of happiness. She's gotta have it.
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Citizen Ruth - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alexander Payne
Main Cast
- Laura Dern
- Swoosie Kurtz
- Kurtwood Smith
- Mary Kay Place
- Kelly Preston
- M.C. Gainey
- Kenneth Mars
- David Graf
- Kathleen Noone
- Tippi Hedren
Writers
- Alexander Payne
- Jim Taylor
Producers
- Cary Woods
- Cathy Konrad
Citizen Ruth - FAQs
What is Citizen Ruth about?
Citizen Ruth follows Ruth Stoops, a directionless, substance-addicted woman who becomes pregnant and is suddenly thrust into the center of a fierce abortion debate. Both pro-life and pro-choice factions compete to use her as a symbol, turning her personal crisis into a full-blown media circus.
Where can you stream or watch Citizen Ruth?
Citizen Ruth is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be streamed for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, which are available through many public library systems.
Who plays Ruth Stoops in Citizen Ruth?
Laura Dern plays Ruth Stoops, the film's chaotic and unpredictable protagonist. Her performance earned widespread critical praise, with many reviewers calling it one of her finest and most fearless roles, anchoring a satirical film that could easily have lost its human center.
Is Citizen Ruth based on a true story?
No, Citizen Ruth is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor. The film is a fictional satire designed to lampoon the extremism and performative outrage found on both sides of the abortion debate in America.
Who directed Citizen Ruth?
Citizen Ruth was directed by Alexander Payne, marking his feature film directorial debut. Payne would go on to direct acclaimed films such as Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, and The Descendants, establishing himself as one of American cinema's sharpest satirists.
What is the age rating for Citizen Ruth?
Citizen Ruth is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's mature thematic content, including drug use, strong language, and frank depictions of the abortion debate. It is intended for adult audiences.
How does Citizen Ruth satirize the abortion debate?
Rather than taking sides, Citizen Ruth skewers both pro-life and pro-choice camps with equal irreverence. Each faction is portrayed as self-righteous, manipulative, and more interested in winning a culture war than in Ruth's actual well-being, making the satire pointed and genuinely even-handed.
How long is Citizen Ruth?
Citizen Ruth has a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes (104 minutes). The film moves at a brisk, comedic pace, balancing sharp satirical set pieces with a surprisingly grounded character study at its core.
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