Watch Back Issues: The Hustler Magazine Story

Back Issues: The Hustler Magazine Story is a documentary film from 2014 that delves into the history of one of America's most controversial men's magazines. The movie chronicles the life of the late Larry Flynt and his rise to fame, as well as the history of the magazine he created, Hustler. The film explores the magazine's impact on American culture and its role in the evolution of the pornographic industry.

The documentary features interviews with those who knew Flynt and those who worked for him. Among the notable interviewees are attorney Paul Cambria and Kenneth De Martines, both of whom represented Flynt in various legal battles throughout his career. Gail Dines, a feminist scholar known for her criticism of the porn industry, provides insight into the negative effects of Hustler on society.

The film begins by recounting Flynt's early years in Kentucky, where he worked as a bootlegger and operated strip clubs. We learn about his early run-ins with the law and his eventual move to California, where he started publishing Hustler in 1974.

From there, the film chronicles the magazine's rise to prominence in the 1980s and its controversial content, including explicit photos of women and graphic depictions of sex acts. The movie also explores the legal battles that Hustler was involved in, including the landmark Supreme Court case brought against Flynt by evangelist Jerry Falwell.

Back Issues offers a balanced view of the magazine's impact, both positive and negative. We hear from former Hustler models who recount their positive experiences working for the magazine and the financial stability it provided for them. On the other hand, we also hear from critics who argue that Hustler paved the way for the porn industry's degradation of women and its reinforcement of harmful gender stereotypes.

Throughout the film, a portrait emerges of Flynt as a complex figure. He is presented as a man who championed free speech and fought for his First Amendment rights, yet also exploited women and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The documentary doesn't shy away from Flynt's darker moments, including his shooting in 1978, which left him partially paralyzed.

Overall, Back Issues is a well-made documentary that provides a comprehensive look at the history of Hustler magazine and its impact on American culture. The film offers a balanced view of Flynt and the magazine he created, and provides fascinating insight into the legal battles surrounding censorship and free speech. The interviews with Flynt's former employees and associates are particularly interesting, as they provide a firsthand look at the man behind the magazine. While the film doesn't provide any definitive answers about the impact of Hustler, it serves as a valuable historical document about one of America's most controversial magazines.

Back Issues: The Hustler Magazine Story is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.