The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Posted by Heather on May 19, 2008
Rated “R” for Sexuality, Nudity, Language
129 Minutes
I turned the whole world into a tabloid. -Larry Claxon Flynt Jr.
Synopsis
The unsavory world of pornography is explored with Larry Flynt in his story about his fight to continue his publication by exercising his freedom of speech. It began in the city of Cincinnati where Larry ran a local strip club and decided he wanted to join the ranks of Hugh Heftner’s Playboy. He began his magazine Hustler at first in small circulation, until it became a popular commodity and Larry was making hundreds of thousands of copies. Where he once was a local annoyance, his offensive publication was now being spread all across the country and some would stop at nothing to keep Larry from selling his magazine. He spent over twenty years being threatened and persecuted by religious zealots, sued in court, sent to jail and even was shot which caused him to be paralyzed. In between Larry’s courtroom appearances and death threats he continued to make his magazine while still maintaining his motivation to never give up.
Review
This movie was a pleasure to sit down and watch, and was so engaging I couldn’t take my eyes away from the screen. Woody Harrelson as Larry Flynt is one of the most memorable roles ever to me. This man who would generally seem to be a despicable and unforgiving creature was not only likable but evoked a desire for him to succeed in his mission. Larry Flynt or his company never pretended to be anything other than what they were, and the point of the story was our beautiful country and it’s first amendment gave Larry the right to exercise his offensive mouth and freedom of the press in any way he desired, and the whole film based it’s structure around that ideal. In between the many courtroom brawls we were offered a piece of Larry’s personal life as well. The struggles and obstacles he overcame to continue to fight for his beliefs and his rights was an eventful journey full of debauchery and even sorrow.
Milos Forman really had the big picture in sight through the entirety of the film, each character and each event had relevance to the final moments of the film and what was to come. Being based on Larry’s true life story, all things obviously weren’t going to end happily ever after, and the acceptance of the choices he and Althea made together was the heart of the story. Larry’s biggest point was:
If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, it will protect all of you.
Cast
- Woody Harrelson as Larry Claxon Flynt Jr.
- Courtney Love as Althea Leasure Flynt
- Edward Norton as Alan J. Isaacson
- Brent Harrelson as Jimmy Flynt
- James Cromwell as Charles Keating
- Crispin Glover a Arlo
- Vincent Shiavelli as Chester
- Richard Paul as Reverend Jerry V. Falwell
- Donna Hanover as Ruth Carter Stapleton
Woody Harrelson was just phenomenal is this role. His transgression from the off balance Larry working in the club at the beginning of his career to the insane and decrepit Larry at the end of the film was an absolutely amazing evolution. He was mentally disturbed, inquisitive, and intelligent rolled into one outrageous package. Even at his most obnoxious moments Harrelson still makes Larry a very likable guy. He is a hedonist that is all about embracing sexuality and fun. Courtney Love played his wife Althea and though her role as a stripper and drug abuser was not a stretch for her, she still had a very engaging onscreen charisma that really made you watch her and wait for what she would do next. Althea wasn’t so unpredictable, but the subtleties Love brought to the character made her very complex and interesting. The voice of reason throughout the tale of madness was Larry and Althea’s lawyer played by a very fresh Edward Norton who even in this early stage in his acting career had proven his talent in Primal Fear, but really exuded his chameleon ability playing against two very strong actors that demanded your attention each time they were on screen. Nonetheless Norton made you pay attention and enjoy each brilliant line he delivered.
Ratings and Suggestions
This movie may not be straight up pornography but there are naked people everywhere, sexual content, tons of foul language, and an adult themed storyline. Not only is this movie not for the young, it’s not for those easily offended by nudity or cursing. I still would suggest they watch this and try and see the beauty of what Larry stood for and the extent he went to in his desire to prove his right to use the first amendment. The intellect behind Larry’s madness really made the story something more than a crazy porn dealer, it was about fighting for what you believe is right no matter what the cost. Larry paid over and over again so he could run his company just as he pleased. Nothing is for free. I found the People vs. Larry Flynt to be a very smart and very entertaining film and agree it was one of the best movies of 1996. Three and a Half out of Four stars.
