The People vs. Larry Flynt

The People vs. Larry Flynt is not a documentary but a parable on the value of free speech. Free speech is the crucible that separates the truth from the fabric of lies woven by the powerful. Trent Lott's call on Face the Nation for legal action against the New York Times for publishing Newt Gingrich's cynical manipulation only shows how relevant this topic is today. The Kafkan Farce now being played in Congress only show's how Orwell's 1984 has come and nobody's noticed.

The film parodies history the way Flynt's Liquor Ad parodied the Reverend Jerry Falwell. The cooperation between Charles Keating and Falwell is metaphor for the unholy alliance between the greedy and pathologically self-righteous that has perverted our democracy. A free press and free speech is our only defense.

Opponents complain that The People vs. Larry Flynt glorifies a pornographer and pornography. I disagree. The film portrays Mr. Flynt as greedy, tasteless, self centered and pig headed from the day go. True it dresses Mr. Flynt up as an attractive Woody Harrelson, but that is the point! The People vs. Larry Flynt mocks how Madison Avenue dresses up products regardless of their intrinsic value whether they are political candidates, cigarettes, junk food, gadgets that do not quite work or the greatest thing since sliced bread. The film presents a more even handed view of Larry than the average political commercial represents its candidate.

Larry is only a hero, because he stood up to those who persecuted him. If Hustler was not censored, no one would have ever heard of it nor Larry. Censorship does not work. When you hide the truth, you pervert it.

Larry Flynt is a hero because he dared to rise to the occasion and confronted the powerful forces of hypocrisy with Guerrilla Theater. Guerrilla Theater works! America could use some good Guerrilla Theater to snap it out of O.J. voyeurism induced somnolence.

Courtney Love was excellent as Althea Leasure. Besides being more attractive as a brunette than bleached blond guitarist of Hole, Althea provides Courtney with a vehicle to play out some deep felt personal baggage. The vivid portrayal of Althea’s addiction is haunted by the ghost of Kurt Cobain. Yet in this jewel lies the greatest dishonesty of film, executed in the of socially responsible political correctness. Linking Althea’s HIV infection with her addiction is taking a lot of literary license. Addicts get HIV by sharing needles. You only share needles when they are in short supply. Surgery that Althea received the year before she was diagnosed HIV positive is a more likely source of infection. Like under the old Production Code, the wonton women gets the short end of the stick.

The People vs. Larry Flynt is the best film, I have seen in years. With the current assault on free speech and the free press, it is relevant as well as entertaining. Put your money where your mouth is and vote with feet. Run, don't walk to the nearest theater playing The People vs. Larry Flynt and you will be well rewarded. The only disappointment I have heard about The People vs. Larry Flynt is that there are no split beaver shots.