Citizen Ruth (1996)

An irresponsible, drug-addicted, recently impregnated woman finds herself in the middle of an abortion debate when both parties attempt to sway her to their respective sides.

Director:

Alexander Payne

Writers:

Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor

Stars:

Laura Dern, Swoosie Kurtz, Kurtwood Smith

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laura Dern	...	Ruth Stoops
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Diane Siegler
Kurtwood Smith	...	Norm Stoney
Mary Kay Place	...	Gail Stoney
Kelly Preston	...	Rachel
M.C. Gainey	...	Harlan
Kenneth Mars	...	Dr. Charlie Rollins
David Graf	...	Judge Richter
Kathleen Noone	...	Nurse Pat
Tippi Hedren	...	Jessica Weiss
Burt Reynolds	...	Blaine Gibbons
Lance Rome	...	Ricky, Ruth's Lover
Jim Kalal	...	Tony Stoops
Shea Degan	...	Arresting Officer
Vince Morelli	...	Dr. George

Storyline

Ruth Stoops is a poor indigent drug-user (a huffer - inhaling glue and paint for a high) whose down and out existence is complicated once more by becoming pregnant (she has had and lost four children already). When a judge orders that she gets an abortion or face a felony charge, she is befriended by Gail Stoney, a pro-lifer whose husband is president of the local "Babysavers" group. Suddenly Ruth is thrust into the middle of the pro-choice/pro-life struggle, with each side wanting her to take their side as a "message" to others - and the situation escalates...

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Plot Keywords:

abortion | judge | extremist | activist | propaganda | 

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Taglines:

A Pro-Laugh comedy.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for substance abuse, strong language and a sex scene

Details

Official Sites:

Miramax Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 December 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Meet Ruth Stoops

Filming Locations:

3216 1st Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$26,709 (USA) (13 December 1996)

Gross:

$153,155 (USA) (10 January 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Pictures (II), Miramax Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (FotoKem)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final theatrical film of Kenneth Mars.

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Goofs

When Norm is lying next to Ruth on her bed, there is a change of camera. He moves his hand to the center of his chest in each camera shot.

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Quotes

Ruth: I don't wanna go back to jail again. Least not for more than a week or two.

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Crazy Credits

About halfway through the credits, we hear the beginning of Tape 2, Side 1.

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Connections

Referenced in Jersey Girl (2004)

User Reviews

Bravo!

An outstanding work – the consummate Indie.

A great, little satire that manages to make you identify with a homeless, hopeless druggie.

Laura Dern is perfect as the indigent & insatiable "Ruth". She brings an engaging hidden-beauty to the part, and with the help of Alexander Payne's brilliant direction, she nimbly walks the wire between comical hero and tragic pariah.

This gem clearly demonstrates that, even though the production budget may be lower than a republican's principles - when great talent and artistic enthusiasm couple, a work of genius is likely to be born.

Cheers, AB – a staff member of Prospect Point Productions, Inc.