Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Dan H — 27 Jun 2010

An important and timeless film. The People Vs. Larry Flynt is about censorship and freedom of expression within the United States. Larry Flynt is without a doubt a controversial figure in American culture and for a very good reason.

As founder of the pornographic magazine Hustler, Flynt has established himself as a man with no fear and very little taste. Flynt even acknowledges his bad taste and finds nothing wrong with it because he believes that having the freedom to express his bad taste is provided and protected by the first amendment, which it in fact is.

This film is about so much more than a porn icon fighting to defend his right to publish obscenities. This film is about our right as Americans to express ourselves in any way we wish and we may not like how some people choose to do so but we have to tolerate it.

There is definitely a negative side to this as well. Our freedom of expression is often abused by so many people who use their freedom to do and say vile and despicable things. Our rights probably should have limits, but I doubt that will ever happen.

I don't view Flynt's pornographic magazine as being vile or despicable like it has been described by many. I view it as sexual expression mixed with satirical humor and relevant political discussions.

I believe pornography shouldn't be viewed as vile or obscene unless it crosses certain boundaries. There is pornography in existence that does in fact cross these boundaries and it's sickening to think about but there's not much that can be done about it.

The Hustler magazine does not depict vile or sickening pornographic images, it merely depicts individuals expressing themselves sexually for our viewing pleasure. This film does an excellent job of sending an important message to it's viewers by telling the true story of Flynt's rise to fame and his legal battles.

Flynt may be seen by some as a despicable man but there is definitely a noble aspect to him. He is a patriot who also happens to be a pornographer. Woody Harrelson truly gave the performance of his career in this film as Flynt.

What I love about Harrelson is his versatility as an actor. He displays both comic talent and dramatic talent in this film. He is an actor who can do just about anything. Edward Norton gave a pitch perfect performance as Flynt's lawyer, Alan Isaacman.

Norton has a boyish charm and natural wit about him that makes him delightful to watch. He is also an actor of versatility as we have seen throughout his successful career. This is the only film I have ever liked Courtney Love in.

I've always considered her a trashy individual but she was perfect for the role she played in this film. That might not be saying much though since she is sort of portraying herself if you think about it.

Milos Forman is a true auteur. He is a brilliant filmmaker who crafted this film perfectly. I cannot think of a director who would have crafted this film any better, Forman did a wonderful job. The People Vs.

Larry Flynt is my favorite film because of it's importance and meaning. It is a film that needs to be seen by everyone, and once you've seen it you can make up your own mind about it. There is one scene that is quite captivating where Flynt is displaying images of sex and violence and asking why sex is considered obscene to display but violence isn't.

That scene is one of the most captivating scenes in this film. The whole film is a captivating experience. You may not like what Larry Flynt does or what other people do, but it must be tolerated because they as Americans have the right to make you feel uncomfortable and there's not a fucking thing you can do about it.