Alexander Payne: His First Movie Reconsidered

The Greek-American writer-director Alexander Payne has made some of the best American movies of the last 15 years.  His influences range from such comedic greats as Billy Wilder and James L. Brooks, to the serious new American dramas of the 1970s.  In anticipation of "Nebraska" - his 6th feature film (view the trailer) - I decided to revisit his first movie.

Released in 1996, "Citizen Ruth" opened all the doors.  It's a movie about abortion - a fictionalized story that presents both sides.  It's very funny, yet serious when appropriate.  It's masterfully written by Mr. Payne and co-collaborator Jim Taylor.  They walk the tightrope of this divisive, emotional issue without forgetting to tell an entertaining story.  It's hard to imagine this movie getting made today.

Laura Dern plays Ruth, a drug-addicted homeless woman, cast adrift in middle-America.  A mother of 4 kids she no longer sees or parents, Ruth spends her time in jail or outside of dumpsters inhaling paint fumes.  When a fundamental Right to Life family takes a newly pregnant Ruth into their home, things get complicated.  The family's motives aren't entirely clear to Ruth; do they want to save the baby, or use Ruth to draw attention to their cause?  Ruth knows she can't bring another baby into her broken world so she joins a pro-choice group of feminists.  Only their motives are equally shady.  They too want to use Ruth as a weapon in their ideological war.  

Did I mention it's funny?  Payne & Taylor have an umatched skill bringing humor to the most painful situations.  Consider Paul Giamatti in "Sideways," or Matthew Broderick in "Election."  Mixed-up characters are their specialty.  Their writing skills thrive by understanding uniquely American issues, with a slant to poor people in poor places.  We can laugh with them because we are them. 

Ultimately the power comes from Mr. Payne's directing talent, especially with actors.  Laura Dern gives a hilarious and sad performance using her whole body as she tries to gain control of it.  It's a brilliant accomplishment, recalling Johnny Depp at his most physically funny.  Ruth becomes an unlikely American hero - a role she didn't want and can't comprehend.

Alexander Payne has a lot to say and many clever ways to show it.  He even critiques the media, while questioning fundamental institutions.  "Citizen Ruth" is an ambitious and bold debut film.  By tackling such a complex issue, he showed he could handle any material.  By elevating it to a poignant and satirical level, Mr. Payne proved he was the real deal.  This is something all young writers and directors should consider; can they be as deep and entertaining in their own work?