Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Lou E — 27 Sep 2007

A couple of weeks ago someone I was getting to know, rather snootily expressed a complete lack of interest in this film because it's about Larry Flynt. With that she moved me one big step closer to a complete lack of interest in her. Only an ignoramus could still think that this film, a Milos Forman film, is some cheap exercise in sleaze. It certainly is a fascinating story about a uniquely sleazy character but it's also an important statement about freedom of speech. As unappealing as Larry Flynt might be, he comes off as a hero compared to the sanctimonious idiots who waste so much energy trying to shut him up and bring him down.This telling of his story is consistently entertaining and ultimately significant.

All the leads are great. Woody is off his head as Larry; manic and infuriating but on about something that matters. Edward by contrast is controlled but compelling. His address to the supreme court is one of the realest pieces of acting I've seen. And Courtney is a revelation as Althea, the love of Larry's life. She's been so messed up in her real life - to think she could then draw on that so realistically is impressive. Not only that but she's gorgeous; even all drug addled and ravaged by AIDS. Vanilla white with bruises all over her legs, she's just beautiful.

Ah Milos! He hasn't made many films but he always makes them count.