ASK DR. RUTH: The Best Things Come In Small Packages

“The question is, how can my head be filled with such sad memories and yet I am still able to make people laugh?” This line from Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s 2015 book The Doctor Is In captures the essence of Ryan White’s documentary Ask Dr. Ruth. It echoes the question at the heart of the film: how does Dr. Ruth stay so effervescent after all the hardships she’s been through?

Let’s Talk About Sex

Standing at only 4’7”, Ruth Westheimer is living proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages. Her stature may be small, but her life has been anything but. She survived the Holocaust, worked as a sniper (but never actually killed anyone, just to be clear!), and became the most famous sex therapist in America. The fiery 90-year-old has lived such a fascinating life that a documentary about her is bound to be nothing short of entertaining.

Prior to her reputation as the renowned Dr. Ruth, Karola Ruth Siegel was born in Germany to Orthodox Jewish parents. After her father was taken by the Nazis, she was sent to an orphanage in Switzerland, until, during her teenage years, she moved to Palestine. One would never guess just by looking at her, but Ruth trained as a sniper, however, was badly wounded during the Palestine War. In 1950, she moved to France to study psychology before immigrating to the United States in 1956. She earned her doctorate when she was 42 years old. White’s documentary chronicles all this and more, illustrating what an inspiration Dr. Ruth truly is. Ask Dr. Ruth is a great reminder that a difficult past doesn’t have to dictate the future and that it’s never too late to make something of yourself.

In 1980, Dr. Ruth’s radio show Sexually Speaking debuted on WYNY-FM. It turned out to be a much bigger success than anyone had anticipated. Soon, her media career took off. She became a household name for her unflinching sex advice and frank discussion of topics that were considered taboo at the time. White’s film features snippets of Dr. Ruth’s expansive career, detailing how she encouraged people to talk openly and honestly about sex and their bodies. The sex-positive movement has continued to move more and more into the mainstream, but there’s still a lot to learn from Dr. Ruth’s unapologetic attitude.

Even though she refuses to discuss politics, archival footage reveals where Dr. Ruth stands on a number of important issues. She’s incredibly vocal about her pro-choice beliefs despite claiming she’s not a feminist. In fact, she’s a proponent of so many feminist views that her rejection of the label is perplexing. Her granddaughter even questions it and ultimately gets her to admit to being a feminist.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of her career is the way in which she advocated for the gay community during the height of the AIDS epidemic. When homosexuality was rarely acknowledged, Dr. Ruth was more than happy to discuss the topic factually and with open arms. Dr. Ruth is much more than “the happy munchkin of sex” or “Grandma Freud,” she’s a pioneer for women’s rights, gay rights, safe sex, and sex positivity.

Dr. Ruth to the Rescue

Dr. Ruth is so amusing and delightful that she makes this documentary worth watching regardless of its shortcomings. White’s depiction of Dr. Ruth in the present day feels open and genuine, which corresponds well with her outspoken personality. However, the portrayal of Dr. Ruth’s past is where White’s direction fumbles.

Animated sequences are used to represent Ruth’s younger years, particularly her experiences during the Holocaust. The animation is lovely and vivid but feels out of place. The expressions on the animated faces appear overly melancholic and dreamlike. Ask Dr. Ruth is far more engaging when Ruth is actually on screen.

During the scenes that outline Ruth’s past, there are frequent voice-overs of old letters. Unfortunately, the voices that read these letters are jarring. Despite Ruth’s distinct German accent, her letters are read in monotone American accents. The voices feel so incongruous that they might leave viewers scratching their heads at first.

The way White juxtaposes Ruth’s heartbreaking past with her cheerful personality in the present creates a compelling dynamic. This juxtaposition also conveys a profound statement about staying positive in the face of adversity. Here’s someone who has survived numerous tribulations and yet she’s so easygoing and full of life. She’s frank, funny and full of heart. It’s difficult to watch Ask Dr. Ruth without cracking a smile.

Ask Dr. Ruth: Final Thoughts

Ryan White’s documentary isn’t remarkable for its structure or artistry, but for its subject matter. Dr. Ruth is the saving grace of this film, and her charming personality makes for a captivating watch. Ask Dr. Ruth is as endearing as its subject and packs an uplifting message to boot.

What did you think of Ask Dr. Ruth? Let us know in the comments below!

Ask Dr. Ruth was released in US theaters on May 3, 2019 and will be released on Hulu on June 1, 2019.