Awards bait biopics lately have had to work hard to avoid induce yawns in audiences. Either a clever take on the person needs to be utilized, or a stylized approach. In the case of On the Basis of Sex, neither seems to be on hand. Instead, it’s the luck of tackling a famous figure who’s still very much in the public eye. In fact, the woman is quite the rock star. With a Trailer dropping yesterday for this Oscar hopeful, now’s a great time to take a look at this potential Academy Award player. You’ll be able to see the Trailer too, but first…some discussion, and stay tuned, as the rest of the week will have coverage of the other baity Trailers that hit the web today. Sit tight there!
The movie is a biopic of the Notorious RBG, otherwise known as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. This is the official synopsis from Focus Features: “On the Basis of Sex” tells the inspiring and spirited true story that follows young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsberg as she teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination.” Ruth (Felicity Jones) will one day become a Justice on the highest court in the land, but this story is how she made her bones as a lawyer. It will also touch on her home life and relationship with husband Marty Ginsberg (Armie Hammer), though the law will be front and center. Mimi Leder directs a screenplay by Ginsberg relative Daniel Stiepleman, with the supporting cast including Kathy Bates, Jack Reynor, Cailee Spaeny, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, and more. Michael Grady handles the cinematography, while the score is by Mychael Danna.
Looking at the Trailer, this film should pair nicely with the recent documentary RBG. While the doc was more all encompassing, this narrative feature could deftly fill in the blanks for those who aren’t fully aware of Ginsberg’s history. Jones looks very strong, while Hammer is at ease playing the supportive husband, a daring thing in Hollywood. Is it old fashioned looking? Sure. Is it also incredibly timely in the era of #METOO and such? Of course. Plus, having Leder back making films is certainly a good thing. Everything here suggests this is one to watch out for when the awards season rolls around.
Speak of the devil. In terms of awards, On the Basis of Sex clearly has aim to be an Academy favorite this year. Focus Features will almost certainly have an across the board campaign. Look for efforts in Best Picture, Best Director (for Leder), Best Actress (for Jones), Best Supporting Actor (for Hammer), Best Original Screenplay (for Stiepleman), Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score. It could be Jones or bust in Actress, but if it’s as of the moment and strong as it looks, Picture could easily be in play. The rest is just up in the air right now.
You can see the On the Basis of Sex Trailer next, which should definitely make you interested in seeing more. It’s an effective look at a special woman. The movie now won’t be hitting until December 25th, which could cut either way, Oscar wise, but it’s clearly going to be a conversation starter. With about six months build up, this could emerge as one of the holiday season’s must see flicks. For now, give the Trailer a look and see what you think of it. Ginsberg is an icon, so a biopic is well deserved. Here’s hoping it’s a film we can all embrace…
Here now is the Trailer for On the Basis of Sex:
Stay tuned for more on On the Basis of Sex between now and its Christmas Day 2018 release date!
