SummaryA hilarious, provocative look at what happens when a sperm meets an egg and sparks fly. (Miramax)
Directed By:Alexander Payne
Written By:Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Citizen Ruth
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
61% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
28% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
11% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
100
Dern is nothing short of brilliant here.
80
Both Fellini and Woody Allen have remarked that casting is 90 percent of directing--and Citizen Ruth bears witness to that notion. While this is primarily Dern's show, the casting is perfect all around.
75
Along the way, this funny picture does exactly what a satire should: It irritates everybody. At least it runs that risk.
75
Has its share of bitingly funny moments, and some of the comedy is quite inventive.
60
Citizen Ruth takes such pains not to take sides that it doesn't have any fun. Each faction gets the same amount of screen time, yells at the same volume, is equally unpleasant.
50
The result is studded with brilliant moments and an eccentric cast.
30
Payne is just as guilty of using her (Ruth) as a figurehead for his ideas--most of them about the stupidity and futility of politics--as are the targets of his satirical abuse.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
65% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
18% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
18% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Nov 3, 2010
8
Brilliant laugh out loud satire on both sides of abortion 'debate' in 1990s USA. You don't need to be interested in abortion politics to get a kick out of this movie. Recommended for fans of intelligent humor.
Dec 12, 2017
6
I'm not quite sure what Payne was trying to express or what he was aiming for with this film, because for most of its duration it feels without a real direction. Laura Dern's work is good but there are moments that make her exasperating. It is a comedy without a doubt but struggles to be funny.
Production Company:
- Miramax
- Independent Pictures (II)
Release Date:Dec 13, 1996
Duration:1 h 46 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Life, liberty, money and the pursuit of happiness. She's gotta have it.
Awards
Thessaloniki Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Munich Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Montréal World Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
