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ON THE BASIS OF SEX HITS Theaters TOMORROW!


Thank you Focus Features for inviting me to the press junket of, On The Basis of Sex. On The Basis of Sex is the life story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, they say when you meet a strong woman it’s because she’s had obstacles that she’s overcome and this couldn't be truer for Judge Ginsburg. She’s everything and more, she is the true depiction of strength, honor and believing in yourself pays off. Other’s hate, disdain, misunderstanding for her, what she believed in, what she wanted to fight for is, was and still is, her motivation.

This movie is much more than a women empowerment story, it’s a reminder to be kind, respectful, patient, compassionate, fight on, you’re a warrior and most importantly further your education. Present at our press junket was Director: Mimi Leder, Writer: Daniel Stiepleman (RBG’s real nephew,) Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, and Cailee Spaeny. I had the honor of asking Felicity Jones what it was like to portray Judge Ginsburg, see below.

BelAirMommie: Thank you so much for being here on Saturday morning. We saw the movie last night and I took my five-year-old and we were originally sitting in the front, but as the movie was starting, he had a million questions, so we moved to the back very quickly. And the one scene where the dean was asking, “why should you be here and not a man?” My son turned to me and said, “Why is he being so mean to her, Mama?” My little one wanted to know “Why is he saying NO to her? Why isn’t he giving her a chance?” I’m thinking, thank God we’re in the back. My question to you is Felicity because this is such a big shoe to fill. Did you meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg and get feedback from her and how did you feel filling those shoes? Because you are now going to be a role model for every little girl out there.

FELICITY JONES: Oh, thank you. I mean, they were enormous shoes to fill; even though she has quite small feet, they were still massive shoes and -- you know, it was really intimidating. I was taking on one of the most beloved… and most iconic women in history. So I definitely didn’t take it on lightly. You know, originally when you get sent a script like this you think, what’s the best way of approaching this? Or ways… it’s just to get completely stuck in and I get really obsessive about, you know, about playing the part and doing research and -- it was really useful -- we had footage, early footage of Ruth and Marty when they were much younger. Because obviously, we all know Ruth as she is now and she’s an 85-year-old woman, but she didn’t come out of the womb like that. So it was about I hate to break it to you, but… So yeah, it was finding, okay, who was this woman when she was in her 20’s and her 30’s and how, how did she become the icon that she is today. Um, and it was really helpful, um, Daniel obviously being… Justice Ginsburg’s nephew, we… you sent us that early footage, which was really vital. And then obviously meeting Justice Ginsburg herself, who is a… phenomenal human being and at first, I think we were all quite nervous and quiet kind of… you feel a little bit speechless when you first meet her, because you have so much respect for her integrity. And there aren’t many people around at the moment in positions of power who have their principles intact. So you know, at first you kind of want to curtsy or bow, well you know, she’s a queen.

Whatever you have planned this weekend you must hit the theater to see On The Basis of Sex, it will blow your mind and most importantly you’ll appreciate the doors that were Judge Ginsburg opened, I wouldn’t want to think about if she wasn’t around to create the shift. I want to hear from you, email me and let me know what you thought. I know you’ll be left in awe and have a new appreciation for Judge Ginsburg.

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