About RBG

RBG is a 2018 American biographical documentary film directed and produced by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, focusing on the life and career of the second Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After early struggles to find work as an attorney due to her gender, Ginsburg steadily ascended to positions of higher influence and impact, culminating with her appointment by Bill Clinton to the highest court in the land in 1993. She later becomes a notable figure of gender equality and women's rights, and the film explores her exceptional life and career.

Making / Production

The film was produced by CNN Films and Storyville Films. It delves into RBG's personal and professional life through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, plus archival footage and narration. The film took about 20 months to produce and ended up reaching a wide audience because of the appeal Ginsburg had garnered over the years of her career. Directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen wanted to convey Ginsburg's tenacity and lifelong commitment to equal rights in the film.

Actors

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg as Herself - The protagonist of the film. Her involvement was pivotal to the authenticity and depth of the documentary.
• Martin Ginsburg as Himself (archive footage) - Ruth's supportive and beloved husband. His archival footage sheds light on their relationship.
• Bill Clinton as Himself - The president who appointed Ruth to the Supreme court. His insights offer valuable context on Ruth's political significance.

Awards

RBG received numerous awards including the National Board of Review Award for Best Documentary Film, the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Political Documentary, and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks." –Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• "I did see myself as kind of a kindergarten teacher in those days because the judges didn't think sex discrimination existed." –Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Music, Soundtrack

• The original score for RBG was composed by Miriam Cutler. Her impactful composition does justice to Ginsburg's inspiring life and career.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The directors of RBG had each interviewed Justice Ginsburg for separate projects before and were inspired to make a film about her.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg was 84 years old when RBG was released.
• The film was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018.