The point that the right to freedom is vital to the existence of the American nation is at the heart of this film. This is a freedom that comes in many degrees. It's the freedom to agree or disagree, to like something or dislike the same thing. Myself, I've been fighting for the First Amendment for what seems like forever, although on a lesser scale than Larry Flynt, but the message remains the same. I enjoyed this film tremendously in part because it struck a chord so familiar to me, but mostly because it showed some indisputable logic behind freedom of speech--who was it that said "I may dislike what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"?
Unfortunately, I don't think this film will get enough exposure in the parts of the population which most need an eye-opener. This is another tragic case of "preaching to the choir"--those of us who are liberal and do support First Amendment rights actively already know the lesson the film teaches. Honestly I'd like to see more conservative sectors made to watch this film, and then have its principles--freedom of expression--applied to what THEY consider important. Freedom isn't for one side or the other, but for both.
The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Courtney Love in what could not have been an easy role. When Althea, Larry's wife, finally dies of AIDS, and then a bit later we see Flynt watching Jerry Falwell rant about AIDS being a scourge against the "unholy", I had to cry. These underlying messages--like how can a "man of God" speak with such hatred against the sick and dying--are throughout the film.
Unfortunately, I don't think this film will get enough exposure in the parts of the population which most need an eye-opener. This is another tragic case of "preaching to the choir"--those of us who are liberal and do support First Amendment rights actively already know the lesson the film teaches. Honestly I'd like to see more conservative sectors made to watch this film, and then have its principles--freedom of expression--applied to what THEY consider important. Freedom isn't for one side or the other, but for both.
The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Courtney Love in what could not have been an easy role. When Althea, Larry's wife, finally dies of AIDS, and then a bit later we see Flynt watching Jerry Falwell rant about AIDS being a scourge against the "unholy", I had to cry. These underlying messages--like how can a "man of God" speak with such hatred against the sick and dying--are throughout the film.