The extraordinary life of E. Jean Carroll, a trailblazing advice columnist, fearless gonzo journalist, and the only woman to have successfully sued Donald Trump in court—twice—is brought into sharp focus in Ivy Meeropol’s documentary, "Ask E. Jean." Clocking in at a concise 91 minutes, the film navigates Carroll’s multifaceted career and her recent, high-profile legal battles, offering a compelling portrait of a woman who has consistently defied expectations and championed independence, even as she grapples with the complexities of her own past. While the documentary may present a somewhat fragmented narrative, its undeniable strength lies in its unwavering dedication to showcasing the indomitable spirit of its subject.
From Advice Columnist to Legal Lioness: The E. Jean Carroll Phenomenon
In recent years, E. Jean Carroll has become a household name, primarily due to her groundbreaking legal victories against former President Donald Trump. These landmark cases, which saw juries find Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation, resulted in a staggering $88.3 million in damages awarded to Carroll. Yet, the documentary "Ask E. Jean" argues persuasively that this chapter, while significant, represents only a fraction of the rich and adventurous life of this remarkable individual.
Carroll’s career began long before her legal confrontations. As an opinion writer and later as the beloved advice columnist for Elle magazine, she carved out a unique space for herself, empowering countless women to navigate the intricacies of relationships, assert their independence, and pursue their ambitions. Her distinctive voice, characterized by wit, candor, and a touch of irreverence, resonated deeply with an audience seeking guidance in an era of evolving gender roles. Meeropol’s film delves into this formative period, highlighting Carroll’s early forays into journalism, where her adventurous spirit led her to pursue stories with an unparalleled tenacity. From camping trips with Fran Lebowitz to wild dispatches alongside Hunter S. Thompson, Carroll’s journalistic endeavors were as unconventional as they were captivating.
A Life of Firsts: Charting Carroll’s Early Journey
The documentary opens a window into Carroll’s formative years, employing a dynamic montage of photographs and video clips that chronicle her early life. This visual journey includes her marriage to a man who harbored literary aspirations, her burgeoning writing career, and her pivotal move to New York City, a decision that irrevocably altered the trajectory of her life. It is in these early segments that viewers gain a profound appreciation for the breadth of her journalistic experiences. Her assignments were often daring and unconventional, such as her memorable excursion to join Fran Lebowitz on a camping trip—a visual spectacle that underscores Carroll’s willingness to embrace the absurd for the sake of a compelling narrative.
Her collaborations and encounters with literary figures like Hunter S. Thompson further illustrate her adventurous spirit and her ability to immerse herself in diverse and often chaotic environments. The film suggests that a significant portion of "Ask E. Jean" could have been dedicated solely to these fascinating journalistic exploits, given their inherent entertainment value and the vivid glimpses they offer into Carroll’s personality. Tales of her experiences, such as living within a fraternity at Dartmouth or her romantic encounters with actor William Hurt, are presented as windows into her vibrant character, allowing viewers to forge a genuine connection with her.
Navigating Shifting Societal Tides: Carroll’s Evolving Perspective
A central theme explored in "Ask E. Jean" is Carroll’s remarkable prescience and, conversely, how societal constraints sometimes hindered her progressive ideals. As Elle magazine’s advice columnist, her distinctive brand of candid counsel truly blossomed. During the 1980s and 1990s, a period when women were increasingly pursuing careers while still facing societal expectations of marriage and motherhood, Carroll’s advice was revolutionary. Clips from her television show, also titled "Ask E. Jean," showcase her urging women to pursue higher education, chase their dreams, and cast aside self-imposed limitations.
However, the documentary does not shy away from acknowledging moments where Carroll’s own beliefs appeared to contradict the very spirit of female empowerment she espoused. She occasionally advised individuals to "suck it up" during difficult times and, controversially, referred to Anita Hill and Paula Jones—women who had accused powerful men of sexual assault—as "wimps." Rather than offering justifications, Meeropol grants Carroll the space to reflect on these past statements. Her candid admission that she dislikes reading her old columns and acknowledges significant personal growth over the years is presented as a refreshing display of accountability. This willingness to own her past mistakes and demonstrate her evolution is a testament to her character.
The Legal Reckoning: Confronting Donald Trump
The documentary’s narrative inevitably shifts to the highly publicized legal proceedings against Donald Trump. While the details of Carroll’s allegations of sexual assault are widely known, the film powerfully conveys the harrowing experience of recounting these events. Her deposition testimony, detailing an alleged rape in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the 1990s, is delivered in her own words with minimal embellishment, resulting in a deeply unsettling and spine-chilling effect. It is poignant that Carroll, who had consistently advised women to "always press charges" and to shed any shame associated with sexual assault during her show, felt compelled to wait for the #MeToo movement to come forward with her story.
These courtroom scenes are fraught with emotion, eliciting palpable rage as Carroll is subjected to insensitive and invasive questioning. The need to present herself as "fuckable" to gain jury credibility is a stark illustration of the systemic biases women face. The eventual jury verdicts in her favor, finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, are therefore profoundly satisfying, even as the ongoing legal battles and Trump’s continued appeals mean that Carroll has yet to receive the awarded damages. This protracted struggle highlights the systemic challenges victims often face in seeking justice and financial compensation.
Narrative Challenges and Enduring Strengths
Despite its many successes in capturing the diverse facets of E. Jean Carroll’s life, "Ask E. Jean" occasionally struggles with its narrative structure. The film employs a non-linear approach, which, while generally manageable with the aid of archival photographs, videos, and occasional on-screen dates, can sometimes lead to a sense of temporal disorientation. Certain anecdotes, such as a brief stint as a writer for "Saturday Night Live," feel underdeveloped, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunity to explore these potentially rich periods of her life. Similarly, snippets concerning her cheerleading career and her two marriages appear to be included more out of obligation than narrative necessity, contributing to somewhat abrupt transitions.
A Legacy of Empowerment: The Enduring Impact of E. Jean Carroll
Ultimately, "Ask E. Jean" succeeds by placing its compelling subject at the forefront. By extending its gaze beyond the high-profile lawsuits, the documentary illuminates the journey of an inspiring woman who has forged a career that many only dream of and has consistently championed herself and women universally. Her commitment to establishing a foundation for women, funded by any monies she eventually receives from her court victories, underscores her enduring dedication to empowerment and social change. E. Jean Carroll is undeniably a figure who warrants a comprehensive cinematic exploration, and "Ask E. Jean," despite its minor structural imperfections, serves as a powerful and essential testament to her extraordinary life and her historic stand. The film’s concluding message solidifies her as an icon of resilience and advocacy, making it a must-see for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of courage in the face of adversity.
