Review of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) by Rob R — 22 Sep 2009

This is definitely not the film to see if you want loads of T&A nor is it one of those gangstery epics, like Boogie Nights, which is kind of what I was expecting. It essentially boils down to a series of court cases on the subject of free speech as well as a biopic of quite a wacky chap. It was interesting to see people getting in such a tizz over what is/was softcore material, albeit fairly hardcore softcore.

I was happy with Courtney Love most of the time but she did get a bit annoying when she was super drugged up - I wasn't that bothered when the inevitable happened. Oh and it's nice to see ugly girls getting decent roles in Hollywood. It's pretty clear what side of the debate the film is coming from and so Flynt comes across pretty well for a porn baron. I assume this is not the full truth but then I don't know any better - just cause it's a biopic doesn't mean he *has* to beat up his wife whilst stressed out on crack. Mind you, I think he gives her a little slap early on, y'know, a token effort. Overall good stuff and a film which took a totally different direction than I was expecting.