Alexander Payne's Movies Ranked From Worst To Best

When making their first feature films, most directors will stick to things they know about and subtly twist them into stories that are detached from them so they couldn't be called autobiographical in some way.

Not Alexander Payne. With his debut feature, he decided to take on the struggles of a young woman dealing with pregnancy and the ultimate life-choice. Tackling abortion is never easy, but Payne pulled it off well with his very first film.

When a young pregnant drug-addict ends up in a national debate about pro-life, her existence suddenly carries a lot of weight to it. She already has four children and has had them all taken from her by the state as she is unable to provide care for them, so when this woman ends up on the national stage with the pro-choice women fighting for their rights she uses her situation for monetary gain.

Payne's first film showcased what talents lay inside, though it may not have set the world alight it remains relevant to this day in its message and sarcastic tone. Both of which are traits that Payne has become known for in his acclaimed career.