The Flynt Building

I tend to write long narratives so when the text is cut off, you can read the narrative in the writing section. I pair the image with the text for the total artistic effect. Please see the photograph of the same name. Also most of my images will be more appreciated in the larger format.
While driving down Wilshire in West Hollywood, I saw the Larry Flynt Building and shot the image from my car at a red light. After uploading this photo I realized that I had captured a reflection of part of another building. As most of you know Larry Flynt is the controversial publisher of Hustler magazine that appeared in print after the publication of Playboy to show more graphic and pornographic images of women. The movie is a fascinating study of the character of this man that has been called everything from “sleazy” to “lascivious” and certainly not a reflection of the American character. After his arrest, many issues were revealed including our right to freedom of speech in the US Bill of Rights. Woodly Harrelson does a wonderful job portraying the main character. “The People Vs. Larry Flynt” is one of the most controversial releases of 1996, starring Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton, and Courtney Love. It earned two Oscar nominations and two Golden Globe wins. This real-life film wonderfully desplicts Larry Flynt’s struggle to publish “Hustler”, a sexually explicit magazine. He risks his freedom to prove that the bans violate the First Amendment on the US Bill of Rights, which is freedom of speech. Through every step, he causes tremendous controversy throughout the country. Some love him, some hate him. Either way, nobody can get enough of him. The plot is brilliant. The daring material expressed deserves tremendous respect for doing what few writers have dared. The climatic story keeps audiences interested in every scene, always wondering what Flint will say or do next. The unexpected events keep the energy intact. His eccentric behavior adds a more interesting flavor to the film. Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love prove that they were made for their roles. Harrelson’s Oscar nominated performance as Larry Flint is the best in his career. Nobody else could have played Flint better. Love makes a triumphant film debut in her Golden Globe nominated role as Athena, Flint’s wife. Her erratic behavior is wonderfully displayed through every scene. Athena’s life struggles are beautifully expressed. Edward Norton’s role as Flint’s lawyer is beautifully performed. All other performers also acted their roles wonderfully. “The People Vs. Larry Flynt” is a great film for those looking for something risque. This is sure to please audiences of all kinds. This photograph could be considered a visual oxymoron. In front of the Flint buidling are the flags of the United States and California, symbols of patrioticism, American values, Nationalism, a statue of John Wayne on a horse and other symbols that represent human decency. This is in direct contrast to the man who created Hustler and the home of his magazine and “modeling agency”. in this building making a huge profit on items far from the American ideal. I caught a shadow when I photographed the Flynt building. Given what many people consider an offensive and vulgar man, what is amusing about this very controversial figure is that the shadow image reflects a hand that appears to be “flipping the bird.” I used an idiom not to offend those who find the work F%$# You objectionable. When photographing cityscapes in Los Angeles, I think it is important to show all aspects of our culture and subcultures to reveal the true character of our city. This capture does not reveal the name given to Los Angeles, “The City of the Angels.”

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