Ask Dr. Ruth

Ask Dr. Ruth (2019) is a critically acclaimed documentary film detailing the exceptional life and career of world-renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Born in 1928, Westheimer is a Holocaust survivor who went onto become a trailblazing, unstoppable force in the world of sex therapy. Known for her unapologetic frankness on the topic, she broke numerous societal taboos in the 80s and 90s. This intimate feature is directed by Ryan White and stars the remarkable Dr. Ruth Westheimer, her publicist Pierre Lehu, and friend Cliff Rubin. The film uniquely intertwines animation, archival footage, and present-day interviews to tell the incredible story of her life.

The documentary commences by introducing us to the irrepressible Dr. Ruth, today a delightful nonagenarian, still going strong and rigorous in her field. Via interviews and personal narratives, we dive into her resilient voyage from the depths of the Holocaust, where she lost her parents, to her emergence as a bodacious voice in America. Ask Dr. Ruth illustrates her journey from an orphanage in Switzerland to becoming a sharpshooter in Israel, eventually finding a home in America, where she began a career as a sex therapist at a time when such discussions were largely unheard of.

The film artfully employs animated renditions to relive some of Ruth's experiences during her early years. It explicitly and effortlessly captures her childhood, her experiences as a Jewish girl during World War II; the pangs of the loss of her parents, and finally, her daring emigration to Israel. The animation subtly encapsulates the complexity and depth of her experiences without overwhelming the audience, offering a visually enlivening insight into her unexpected, bold life.

The film does not shy away from exploring her adult life and career. In her later years, she emerged as a household name in America through her radio talk show, Sexually Speaking, during an era when sex discussions were nearly taboo. Archival footages and clippings serve to remind viewers of Dr. Ruth's refreshing candor and how she changed the face of radio broadcasting and, by extension, the way we discuss and understand sexuality.

Pierre Lehu's contributions to the movie, as Dr. Ruth's long-time publicist, provide comprehensive testimony about her career, image, and the merit of her non-traditional approach to sex therapy. His anecdotes provide an engaging layer of personal insights while also underlining Dr. Ruth's immense popularity and influence. Another engaging aspect is the appearance of Cliff Rubin, whose warm friendship with Dr. Ruth provides an affectionate lens to her off-studio personality, adding a hearty dimension to her public image.

Dr. Ruth's personal life is also captured in the film, demonstrating her explicit relationship knowledge was not limited to theory. The film explores her multiple marriages, the joy of motherhood, and the balance she struck between her explosive career and her family life. Encounters with her children and grandchildren in the film present her as a dedicated family woman and challenge the conventional wisdom about her based on her profession.

Intricately woven with a narrative that is as unique as her personality, Ask Dr. Ruth tells an endearing tale of an extraordinary woman who defied odds, trampled taboos, and embraced a mission to educate people about sexual health, all with a cheeky smile and a sharp intellect. What truly sets this film apart is its ability to showcase Dr. Ruth not only as a knowledge system and a celebrity but also as a humble woman whose spirit remained undeterred despite the hardships she encountered.

Filled with candid conversations, amusing anecdotes, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of science, Ask Dr. Ruth captures the essence of a revolutionary woman. It leaves viewers deeply moved and impressed with her resilience, zest, and enduring relevance. The film is a must-watch for those interested in exploring a biographical study of one of America's beloved personalities or those who seek to understand different elements of sexuality from a human and sociological perspective. Wherever you stand, Ask Dr. Ruth promises an engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking experience.