4/7/2020

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.