“The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996): A Glossy Portrayal of a Porn Mogul’s Crusade” – Film Review

Milos Forman’s 1996 film “The People vs. Larry Flynt” attempts to portray the life of Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt as a fight for free speech, but it often comes across as an oversimplified and somewhat glorified depiction of a controversial figure. Starring Woody Harrelson as Larry Flynt, the film navigates through his legal battles, personal life, and the establishment of his porn empire, presenting a narrative that tends to gloss over the more unsavory aspects of Flynt’s character and career.

Narrative: Free Speech or Free-for-All?

The film chronicles Larry Flynt’s journey from a strip club owner to the head of the Hustler empire, focusing heavily on his legal battles, particularly with the infamous Jerry Falwell case. While the story paints Flynt as a champion of the First Amendment, it often sidesteps the more problematic aspects of his character and business practices. The depiction of Flynt’s fight for free speech is framed as a heroic crusade, but this portrayal is problematic given the broader implications and societal impact of his work in pornography.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Flynt’s World

In bringing Larry Flynt’s world to the screen, the filmmakers faced the challenge of portraying the explicit nature of his empire while maintaining a certain level of palatability for mainstream audiences. Production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein and costume designer Arianne Phillips captured the essence of the 70s and 80s, reflecting the excess and flamboyance of Flynt’s lifestyle.

Director Milos Forman, known for his work on biographical films, approached Flynt’s life story with a focus on the legal battles rather than the moral complexities. This choice resulted in a film that feels like it’s skimming the surface of a much deeper, murkier pool.

Performances: Harrelson’s Charismatic Lead

Woody Harrelson delivers a charismatic and dynamic performance, bringing a certain charm to Larry Flynt that makes him a compelling protagonist. However, this charm often serves to sanitize Flynt’s character, downplaying the more controversial and unsavory aspects of his personality and actions.

Courtney Love, portraying Flynt’s wife Althea, delivers a raw and tumultuous performance that captures the tragic arc of her character. Edward Norton, as Flynt’s lawyer Alan Isaacman, provides a solid counterbalance to Harrelson’s Flynt, though his character is often overshadowed by the larger-than-life persona of Flynt.

Cinematography and Score: A Glossy Aesthetic

The cinematography by Philippe Rousselot provides a glossy sheen to the film, with vibrant colors and fluid camera movements that echo the excesses of Flynt’s world. The score, composed by Thomas Newman, underpins the narrative with a sense of grandeur, which sometimes feels at odds with the film’s grittier subjects.

Themes: A Muddled Message

“The People vs. Larry Flynt” grapples with themes of free speech, censorship, and the American legal system. However, these themes are often muddled by the film’s sympathetic portrayal of Flynt. The film raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities that come with it, but it shies away from deeply engaging with the darker implications of Flynt’s work.

Cultural Impact: Controversy and Acclaim

Upon its release, the film sparked controversy and discussion, much like its subject. It was lauded for its performances and its defense of free speech but also criticized for its sympathetic portrayal of a man whose career was built on the exploitation of women.

Final Thoughts

“The People vs. Larry Flynt” is a film that attempts to tackle complex issues but often feels like it’s pulling its punches. It’s a glossy, well-acted portrayal of a figure whose real-life impact and legacy are far more complex and contentious than the film would suggest. While it serves as a thought-provoking piece on the nature of free speech and censorship, it also stands as a reminder of how biographical films can sometimes blur the lines between homage and hagiography.