Harrelson tackles 'Flynt' role with gusto

January 1, 1997
Web posted at: 8:00 a.m. EST

From Correspondent Sherri Sylvester

HOLLYWOOD (CNN) -- Bringing the story of porn publisher Larry Flynt to the big screen was not Woody Harrelson's idea of a moral or artistic triumph, until he delved into the Flynt file. (movie trailer - 4.7M/132 sec. QuickTime movie)

"When I was preparing for this role, I had to go back through tons of these old Hustlers," Harrelson says. "I would look at these Hustlers and go, 'I remember that picture; I remember being very turned on by this when I was 16.'"

But despite his admiration for Flynt's ability to get his adolescent hormones raging with sexually explicit photographs, Harrelson was less than excited about the man himself.

Harrelson's negative opinion of Flynt, and a reluctance to take the part, had its roots in Harrelson's boyhood home of Lebanon, Ohio. The conservative community lies in close proximity to Cincinnati, where Flynt's obscenity trial took place. Community sentiment ran deeply against the Hustler magnate. (420 K / 19 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

But once Harrelson was convinced to star in "The People vs. Larry Flynt," he could not help but make it a family affair. Brother Brett was called in to play Flynt's brother in the movie. Harrelson talks up his brother's talent, saying Brett is on the rise while his own career is currently a bit lackluster.

The truth, though, is that Harrelson's career is on the move, with rave reviews coming in for "The People vs. Larry Flynt." Both Harrelson and co-star Courtney Love are picking up favorable notices. Harrelson has even picked up a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. (1M/29 sec. QuickTime movie)

But acting is no bowl of cherries for Harrelson, regardless of the results.

"I've never been able to understand the distinction between 'you're gonna cry in this scene' and 'cut, well that's it,'" admits Harrelson. "I'm still like, 'Oh my God, everything is dark and mad and violent'; it doesn't leave my head."

 

Related stories:

• Love leads Flynt's First Amendment charge - December 24, 1996
• Flynt flaunts values in full public view - December 4, 1996

Related sites:

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

• Hustler magazine v. Falwell
• Hustler interview: 21st Century Flynt
• The People vs. Larry Flynt
• Sony's Movie News on The People vs. Larry Flynt

Related newsgroup:

Note: Some newsgroups may not be supported by your service provider.

• alt.fan.courtney-love

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.

© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.