The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Mike S

  
  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… More
  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 <i>Hustler</i>) 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.

• Eric S

  
  Quite a powerful film in regards to the First Amendment which gives us the right of free speech and press which is exactly what this film revolves around. It is the story of Larry Flynt's pornographic films and magazines; most notably Hustler which really made him the… More
  Quite a powerful film in regards to the First Amendment which gives us the right of free speech and press which is exactly what this film revolves around. It is the story of Larry Flynt's pornographic films and magazines; most notably Hustler which really made him the entrepreneur he is. Flynt loses the use of his legs due to an assassination attempt confining him to a wheelchair. Woody Harrelson stars as Larry Flynt and turns in a fine piece of character work. The brilliant Edward Norton portrays his lawyer Alan Isaacman which allows for first rate acting on both counts. And I must mention Courtney Love's brilliant portrayal of Flynt's drug addicted wife Althea. I think one thing that gives this film it's strength is that it proves the point of the industry that is often frowned upon, but is within the rights of every citizen should they wish to be involved in it. "If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, it'll protect all of you- 'cause I'm the worst." Larry Flynt

• Chris W

  
  Thios is a biopic about the life, career, and mostly, the legal troubles of Hustler Magazine publisher :Larry Flynt. Say what you will about the man's personal life, antics, and the business that he is a part of. You don't have to like the man or what he does (even his… More
  Thios is a biopic about the life, career, and mostly, the legal troubles of Hustler Magazine publisher :Larry Flynt. Say what you will about the man's personal life, antics, and the business that he is a part of. You don't have to like the man or what he does (even his attorney admits he doesn't care for pornography), but you cannot deny that he made some important contributions to American spciety by giving people jobs, but more importantly fighting for basic constitutional rights. Like everything, there is a bias here that favors Flynt, and makes him out to be a rather sympathetic guy. The film also takes liberties as expected, but overall, this is more about ideas, concepts, and principles, than the story of a man who went from being a bootlegger as a kid to one of the biggest proprietors of smut. All of that is in this film of course, but Milos Forman and the writers put more focus on the former than the latter, as I think they should. I am disappointed that they might have been too sympathetic and less acknowledging of Flynt's less savory side, but they don't completely ignore it. Also, even with an R rating, they could have gotten away with showing just a tad more of the risque stuff that made Flynt legendary. The real Larry Flynt, when asked who he thought should play him responded with Michael Douglas. His wish was not granted, but Woody Harrelson does a pretty good job, even if he's not a complete ringer. He's the focus, but he's backed by a notable cast including his real life brother as Flynt's brother, Courtney Love (who is surprisingly pretty good) as his troubled (4th) wife Althea, whom he realy truly did love, Edward Norton as his attorney Alan Isaacman, as well as bit parts fulfilled by Vincent Schiavelli, Crispin Glover, and James Cromwell., As stated, Woody is really good, Love is good, Norton is pretty decent, and the bit players are good, albeit underfocused on. I don't know if all of the trials Larry Flynt went through are featured here, but it covers some major ones, most significantly Hustler Magazine V. Falwell in which televangelist Larry Falwell sued Flynt over an unflattering albeit satirical parody that suggested Falwell lsot his virginity to his mother in an outhouse. Since this is a fairly well known case, I don't think I'm really spoiling it by saying who won considering the verdict is quite a landmark and is more significant than maybe most people realize or are aware of...it was Flynt. With the content of the film and the ideas that are being defended therein, it really didn't move me. They were preaching to the choir. I agree wit hsome of what Flynt fought for, and I actually do have respect for the man, though he really isn't the savoriest of people. I've seen interviews with the real Larry, and despite what he does, he is a rather classy and smart guy. It doesn't seem that way in the movie (at least hardly ever), but hey, this is entertainment, not a documentary. You should give this a look. It's got good performances, capable direction, a decent script and is just a joy to watch.

• AJ V

  
  A very interesting look at the magazine and porn industries in America. It's got a lot of good actors, and a good director. This movie let's you get to know the kind of people who run the porno mags, and makes you think about censorship in America. It's a really good… More
  A very interesting look at the magazine and porn industries in America. It's got a lot of good actors, and a good director. This movie let's you get to know the kind of people who run the porno mags, and makes you think about censorship in America. It's a really good movie.

• Kristijonas F

  
  An irreverent and entertaining court-room drama-comedy about one of the more bizarre entrepreneurs in recent memory, Larry Flynt is carried by a refreshing and charismatic performance from Woody Harrelson.

• Spencer S

  
  Woody plays the scum loving founder of Hustler with feeling that hangs around performances of biopics such as Monster and Orson Welles' Citizen Kane.

• Dan S

  
  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… More
  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.

• Anthony L

  
  Harrelson, Love and Norton are great in this funny and quite sad biopic!

• Tsubaki S

  
  Gentleman... Playboy is mocking you.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"You may not like what he does, but are you prepared to give up his right to do it?"</i> "If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, then it'll protect all of you -- 'cause I'm the worst," declares Hustler Magazine… More
  <i>"You may not like what he does, but are you prepared to give up his right to do it?"</i> "If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, then it'll protect all of you -- 'cause I'm the worst," declares Hustler Magazine publisher Larry Flynt (as played by Woody Harrelson) in the midst of one of his many court cases. Milos Forman's film follows Flynt from his childhood in Kentucky, where he made extra money for his dirt-poor family by selling the moonshine his father brewed, into adulthood as he manages a strip club in Cincinnati. While the club does middling business, the experience changes Flynt's life in two ways: he meets Althea (Courtney Love), an exotic dancer who becomes the love of his life, and he gets the bright idea of starting a magazine to promote the club. Marketed as a crasser, less pretentious alternative to Playboy or Penthouse, Hustler becomes a huge success after Flynt runs a photo series of Jacqueline Onassis sunbathing nude. However, while plenty of people are buying Hustler, there are also plenty of people who don't care for it, including Charles Keating (James Cromwell), leader of a watchdog group called Citizens For Decent Literature. Keating spearheads the first of many legal attacks on the magazine, one of which reaches the Supreme Court as Alan Isaacman (Edward Norton), Flynt's lawyer, debates the finer legal points of bad taste with the justices of the highest court in the land. Meanwhile, Flynt makes a fortune, loses the use of his legs after an attack by a sniper, embraces and than abandons Christianity, and eventually loses Althea, who succumbs to AIDS after a long addiction to drugs. <b><u>Review</u></b> Although the original controversy over this film was about the First Amendment and the "real" Larry Flynt, to me, the more interesting aspect of the film was the love story between Larry and Althea Flynt. Forman's genius has always been finding human elements in tales of rebels who changed the world -- "Amadeus," for example, is more interesting as a saga of the jealousy of Salieri than as musical biography. "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" is gaudy where "Amadeus" was gorgeous (compare the long shot through Flynt's mansion with the shots of Viennese palaces in the other film), and Larry and Althea's love story is at once timeless and a product of the self-indulgent, tragic 70s and 80s, and Harrelson and Love turn in two of the best performances of the decade.

• Tim S

  
  Not necessarily the best film, but it is funny and interesting to watch.

• Candy R

  
  Biography of the notorious founder of the Hustler magazine empire. Good cast.

• Jason S

  
  This was a pretty interesting story and Harrelson plays the part like a pro. I liked it for the performances and not because I think Larry Flint was a good guy.

• Lady D

  
  An interesting story based on true events. It was actually Courtney Love, I found was the best character in this. Ed Norton looked pretty young and although didn't take a bad part, it was certainly before he peaked. VERDICT: If you're easily offended by scenes of… More
  An interesting story based on true events. It was actually Courtney Love, I found was the best character in this. Ed Norton looked pretty young and although didn't take a bad part, it was certainly before he peaked. VERDICT: If you're easily offended by scenes of sexual nature, it's not for you as this is the main focus to the story

• Pierluigi P

  
  I's a tough drama, but it's also hilarious. Woody Harrelson is great as Flynt as well as the supporters. nice cameo by the real Flynt as a judge.

• Cameron J

  
  Two of my all-time favorite actors together in the environments that earned them their spots on my favorite actors list. Of course, there are some significant differences. Norton is in the courtroom like in "Primal Fear", only he's the lawyer and Harrelson is in a slow… More
  Two of my all-time favorite actors together in the environments that earned them their spots on my favorite actors list. Of course, there are some significant differences. Norton is in the courtroom like in "Primal Fear", only he's the lawyer and Harrelson is in a slow movie like in "The Walker", only he's not gay. Oh boy, is he not gay. No, but seriously though, the film isn't that slow, but does feel drawn-out and also suffers from some lack of development. However, the film features increasing compellingness, snappy editing, great dialogue, effective comic relief, a powerful ending and great acting, especially from the show-stopping, film-carrying Woody Harrelson. Ultimately, "The People vs. Larry Flynt" may feel a touch too long, but remains a well-crafed and very entertaining portrait of the icon of controversy and a high note on Harrelson's filmography.

• Deb S

  
  "The People vs. Larry Flynt" documents the story of Larry Flynt, publisher the infamous US pornography magazine "Hustler" and centers on his battles in the courts to protect his right to free speech in the magazine and the boundaries society puts on freedom. The… More
  "The People vs. Larry Flynt" documents the story of Larry Flynt, publisher the infamous US pornography magazine "Hustler" and centers on his battles in the courts to protect his right to free speech in the magazine and the boundaries society puts on freedom. The film documents his rise and fall and subsequent assassination attempt which led to his paralysis. Along the way he is supported by his wife, Althea (Courtney Love who plays her vivacious, almost slutty, character with panache) and defended by his lawyer Alan (the versatile Edward Norton). A piece of trivia - the real Larry Flynt has a cameo in this movie, as the Cincinnati Judge, Judge Morrissey.

• Justin F

  
  Despite the connection with the porn industry, TPVLF is primarily a film about human rights and censorship. It is also an attack on the establishment with the Govt & Religion the main focus. I really liked this film with strong performances from Woody Harrelson & Edward… More
  Despite the connection with the porn industry, TPVLF is primarily a film about human rights and censorship. It is also an attack on the establishment with the Govt & Religion the main focus. I really liked this film with strong performances from Woody Harrelson & Edward Norton. Most suprisingly for me is Courtney Love's performance. She plays the role of Larrys wife with skill, warmth and no shortage of feeling and there is a definate on-screen chemistry between Love and Harrelson. It may be over 10 years old but the message of this film is no less relevant today. Like Flynts lawyer says "I dont like what Flynt does, but what I do like is that I live in country where we can make that decision for ourselves". This film makes you think about the world around you, which is no bad thing in my opinion.

• Alec B

  
  One of the more interesting explorations of the freedom of speech simply because Larry Flynt is such an "interesting" character. The courtroom scenes are great (mostly because of Edward Norton), and the story of the birth of Hustler is actually quiet fascinating. The… More
  One of the more interesting explorations of the freedom of speech simply because Larry Flynt is such an "interesting" character. The courtroom scenes are great (mostly because of Edward Norton), and the story of the birth of Hustler is actually quiet fascinating. The chemistry between Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love (she is surprisingly good here) is what really sells the movie. Love or hate Larry Flynt, you can't deny that he makes a great protagonist.

• Mike T

  
  This is a fairly by-the-numbers biopic, but Forman is a talented enough director to make it work quite well. It doesn't particularly excel or falter in any areas. Overall it's an entertaining timekiller, but it's a little bit disappointing coming from the man who gave… More
  This is a fairly by-the-numbers biopic, but Forman is a talented enough director to make it work quite well. It doesn't particularly excel or falter in any areas. Overall it's an entertaining timekiller, but it's a little bit disappointing coming from the man who gave us Cuckoo's Nest and Amadeus.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings