Watch The People vs. Larry Flynt

The People vs. Larry Flynt is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Larry Flynt, the founder of Hustler magazine, his legal battles, and his fight for freedom of expression. The film was directed by Milos Forman and stars Woody Harrelson as Larry Flynt, Courtney Love as Althea Flynt, and Edward Norton as Flynt's attorney, Alan Isaacman.

The film is set in the 1970s when adult magazines were highly regulated, and censorship laws were strict. In the film, Larry Flynt, a self-made millionaire, starts publishing Hustler magazine and becomes embroiled in legal battles over obscenity and pornography. As he pushes the boundaries of free speech, he faces lawsuits, arrests, and assassination attempts.

Throughout the film, we see Flynt's struggles with addiction, his relationships with women, and his unconventional approach to business. We also see his close relationship with Althea Flynt, who becomes his wife and business partner. Together, they fight for their right to publish Hustler and defend their First Amendment rights.

The film's plot follows Flynt's legal battles from his early years selling pornography to the Supreme Court case that secured his right to free speech. Along the way, we see Flynt become a celebrity as he rails against censorship and defends his controversial content. He becomes a spokesperson for free speech and is idolized by some and reviled by others.

The People vs. Larry Flynt is a compelling story that highlights the importance of free expression in a democratic society. It is a story of personal struggle, legal battles, and American values. The film shows the dark side of censorship and how individuals can be persecuted for their beliefs.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Woody Harrelson's portrayal of Larry Flynt. He captures Flynt's charisma and controversy, making the character both sympathetic and challenging. Courtney Love gives a standout performance as Althea Flynt, Larry's wife, and partner. She brings depth and emotional authenticity to the role.

Edward Norton is also excellent as Alan Isaacman, Flynt's attorney. He delivers a nuanced performance that captures the complexity of the legal battles and the moral issues at stake. Other notable performances include James Cromwell as the judge in the Supreme Court case and Vincent Schiavelli as Larry's rival, Chester.

The film's direction by Milos Forman is skillful and subtle. He balances the historical context of the story with the drama of Flynt's personal life, creating a film that is engaging and thought-provoking. The cinematography is also excellent, capturing the era's colors, textures, and lighting with authenticity.

Overall, The People vs. Larry Flynt is a powerful film that tells a compelling story of free speech, legal battles, and personal struggles. It is an essential watch for those interested in First Amendment rights and the history of pornography in America. The film delivers an important message about the value of free speech and the dangers of censorship, making it a timely and relevant film today as much as it was when it was released in 1996.

The People vs. Larry Flynt is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 79.