A Preview of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Movie

When it comes to movies based on real life, viewers must allow for some literary license.

Even in the upcoming biopic of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the justice would grant Felicity Jones some flexibility in portraying her. After all, the actress is English.

One thing is certain, however. The movie, set to begin filming in September, will hew to the truth that women have had to fight for equal rights in America.

On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex will tell the story of Ginsburg's early life and career. It included tragedy; her mother died the day before she graduated from high school.

While working at the Social Security Administration, Ginsburg was demoted for becoming pregnant. She soldiered on to become one of only nine women in her class at Harvard Law School.

Despite her academic excellence, she had trouble finding a job in a male-dominated profession. Those experiences launched her pursuit of equal rights and advancing women's rights.

The movie, written by Ginsburg's nephew Daniel Stiepleman, is a tribute to her career but also to women. It will be directed by Mimi Leder, another pioneer for women in the workplace.

Changing Roles

Natalie Portman, a Harvard graduate herself, was originally slated to play Ginsburg. She spoke out against Hollywood's gender pay gap and advocated for a woman to direct the film.

"We need to be part of the solution, not perpetuating the problem," Portman told Marie Claire. "As this story is specifically about gender discrimination, I was like, how dare we not hire a female."

Jones, who recently replaced Portman in the lead role, said she relishes the opportunity to portray a "full-sided woman and not patronize her." Jones is most famous for her part in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

Related Resources:

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg (FindLaw Cases & Codes)
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg Turns 84 Today, Will Never Die (FindLaw's Supreme Court Blog)
• New Book on RBG's Workout -- With Illustrations (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)