Citizen Cohn (1992)

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.