Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Dan S — 23 Oct 2009

A riveting, often depressing biopic on a very controversial figure in American culture. Although it misses greatness by just a bit, this is a fine picture concerning a very troubled and screwed-up individual who fought for his freedom of speech.

You don't have to support Flynt at all during this movie, since it shows him in his most depraved and morally sickening moments, but this is definitely fascinating stuff when it goes to the Supreme Court.

Woody Harrelson gives his best performance yet, with Courtney Love proving to be ideal as his drug-addicted wife. Edward Norton is also exceptional as Flynt's extremely annoyed lawyer. This movie is loaded with sadness and moral depravity, and it does get to be a little much at some points, however, ultimately, this is a film you should definitely see if you have interest concerning the constitution or how much controversy something like pornography caused back in the 1970's.