Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Anna L — 22 Nov 2011

Highly engrossing biopic about the life and career of controversial porn mogul Larry Flynt. Besides the man in focus, it's also a story that depicts the struggle for one of the most fundamental corner stones in any given democracy: the right to free speech and publication.

We follow Larry through his successes and failures, and the playboy (or rather to say Hustler) lifestyle that ultimately drives him into some serious conflicts with both his inner circle and official opponents.

Superlative performance by Woody Harrelson, who does the title role so well, you'd think he was born for the job. I was also pleasantly surprised by Courtney Love, who is exceptional as his devil-may-care girlfriend.

Granted that she pretty much plays herself, what with the drug addictions and all, but she still deserves an eulogy for her impressive acting. There's a lot of sex and nudity in the film, as can be expected, but nothing I'd label as gratuitous or redundant in any way.

Rather, it serves a motivated purpose, while simultaneously treating us to some R-rated delights. Be sure to keep your eyes open for a cameo by the real Larry Flynt, who ironically plays a judge who is anything but dispositioned on letting his fictional self off the hook.