Citizen Cohn (1992)
1h 47m | PG-13
As lawyer and power broker Roy Cohn lies dying of AIDS in a private hospital room, ghosts from his past visit him as he reflects on his life and loves.
Director: Frank Pierson
Studio: HBO Films
Genre: Drama, TV Movie, History
Video: 720p
Cast
James Woods
as Roy Marcus Cohn
Joe Don Baker
as Sen. Joseph McCarthy
Joseph Bologna
as Walter Winchell
Ed Flanders
as Joseph N. Welch
Frederic Forrest
as Dashiell Hammett
Lee Grant
as Dora Cohn
Reviews
CITIZEN COHN (1992) was HBO's first attempt at covering the life of disgraced lawyer Roy Cohn, predating their acclaimed ANGELS IN AMERICA by 11 years. While the 2003 mini-series was packed with A-level Hollywood talent, its predecessor also had impressive bona fides. Director Frank Pierson (writer of COOL HAND LUKE and DOG DAY AFTERNOON) steers a cast led by James Woods, Joe Don Baker, Lee Grant, Frederic Forrest, and many other solid veteran character actors. Starting with his upbringing as an indulged mama's-boy and covering his entire life, Cohn's machinations - at all times ruthless, immoral, hostile, and destructive - make todays political rhetoric seem positively honest and wholesome. Sharply written by David Franzoni, this is a fascinatingly repulsive story that takes you down the dark trail where power and sociopathy collide - and exposes the bodies created by the impact.