The People vs. Larry Flynt
Larry Flynt is the hedonistically obnoxious, but indomitable, publisher of Hustler magazine. The film recounts his struggle to make an honest living publishing his girlie magazine and how it changes into a battle to protect the freedom of speech for all people.
Critics Sentiment
Larry and Isaacman are shot outside the Georgia courthouse, paralyzing Larry
HIV-positive Althea drowns in the bathtub after visiting Larry one last time
The film's most dramatic drop occurs from the triumphant Supreme Court preparation (7.8) to Althea's tragic death (5.4), a devastating personal loss that undercuts the legal victory narrative.
The film maintains generally positive reception throughout, with critics consistently praising the performances especially Harrelson, Love, and Norton while noting some pacing issues in the middle sections. The narrative builds through legal battles and personal struggles to a triumphant finale, though Althea's death provides the emotional low point that grounds the constitutional victory in personal cost. Overall, reviewers appreciated the film's examination of First Amendment rights despite mixed feelings about the protagonist himself.
Full cast
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Woody Harrelson
Larry Flynt
Courtney Love
Althea Leasure
Edward Norton
Alan Isaacman
Brett Harrelson
Jimmy Flynt
Donna Hanover
Ruth Carter Stapleton
James Cromwell
Charles Keating
Crispin Glover
Arlo
Vincent Schiavelli
Chester
Miles Chapin
Miles
James Carville
Simon Leis
Richard Paul
Reverend Jerry Falwell
Burt Neuborne
Roy Grutman
Jan Tříska
The Assassin
Cody Block
10-Year-Old Larry
Ryan Post
8-Year-Old Jimmy
Robert Davis
Old Hillbilly
Kacky Walton
Young Ma Flynt
John Ryan
Young Pa Flynt
Kathleen Kane
1st Stripper
Greg Roberson
Disc Jockey
Crew
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