Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Gregory G — 04 Feb 2011

Milos Forman's biographical drama about the publisher of the pornographic magazine Hustler, Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson), focusing on his litigious libel battles that led to a decisive decision in the US Supreme Court.

Constructed in the first half as a semi-satire on the sexual revolution, the second half is mired in flag-waving liberalism and Flynt is glorified as a representative figure for the First Amendment. Forman softens Flynt's sordid lifestyle and projects a patronizing view of conformists.

Ironically, for a movie that purports to be a critique of censorship, Forman censors the magazine's photo shoots. Forman's visual style and pacing lack the vitality needed for impertinent material.

Woody Harrelson is commandingly irreverent if too likable as Flynt; Edward Norton is compelling as lawyer Alan Isaacman; Courtney Love was widely praised as Flynt's drug-addicted, stripper, lover, Althea, but the role wasn't much of a stretch for her.

Produced by Oliver Stone. Written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszweski. Music by Thomas Newman. Cinematography by Philippe Rousselot. With James Cromwell as Charles Keating, Brett Harrelson as Jimmy Flynt, Crispin Glover, Donna Hanover, James Carville, Richard Paul as Jerry Falwell, and Flynt himself as a judge.