Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn

Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn is a powerful, impactful, and revealing documentary about one of the most infamous and enigmatic figures in American political history, lawyer Roy Cohn. Released in 2019, this thought-provoking feature is directed by Ivy Meeropol and features interviews and comments from notable personalities such as Cindy Adams, Joey Adams, and Peter L. Allen.

The film unveils the life of Roy Cohn – a man who was considered a bully by his enemies, a coward by his detractors, and a victim by those who understood the motives behind his actions. He was a figure who received various characterizations depending on who described him. Cohn is known for leaving a lasting imprint on American politics for his contentious and manipulative tactics.

A standout feature of the documentary is the assertive and unbiased approach adopted by the director in revealing the multi-faceted persona of Roy Cohn. Meeropol beautifully blends elements of archive footage, interviews, dramatizations, and photographs to deep-dive into his life as an influential attorney and surreptitious operator in the political arena.

Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn begins with his early years in New York City, detailing his rapid climb up the ranks to become a prominent power-player at a relatively young age. Not merely focusing on historical data, the movie offers an insight into Cohn's personal connections with high-profile figures and takes an in-depth look at his intricate involvement in significant political events such as the McCarthy hearings.

Cohn's defining moments are well-handled in this documentary as it captures the essence of his associations and dealings in the political and social arena. His celebrated as well as notorious affiliations are portrayed, providing a clear window into his dramatic influence on American political landscape.

This film also delves into Cohn's precarious private life, exploring his complex relationship with his sexual identity and his battle against AIDS. The movie gives one a sense of Cohn's internal struggles and personal demons alongside his public life. This intimate focus helps to humanize a man who is often portrayed as larger than life.

The documentary features interviews with a multitude of personalities who had direct or indirect encounters with Cohn. Cindy Adams, a gossip columnist and confidante of Cohn, provides deep insight into Cohn's personality and professional life. Joey Adams delivers anecdotes that throw light on the more unseen aspects of Cohn's life. The conversations with Allen, the historian, lead viewers to understand the far-reaching consequences of Cohn's actions and maneuvers.

Visually compelling and stunningly crafted, Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn is a compelling narration of history, politics, and humanity. It goes beyond the boundaries of conventional biographies by vividly illustrating Cohn's roller coaster career and his profound influence on American politics, all the while focusing on the emotional upheavals that marked his personal life.

The film is not just a profile or exposé of a man; it is an exploration of an era that shaped the United States, viewed through the prism of one of its most contentious figures. It paints an in-depth picture of American politics during the second half of the 20th century, providing a valuable historical perspective.

Overall, Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn is a revelation of the true essence of Roy Cohn. It portrays the man behind the name, showcasing the insecurities and fears that often hid behind the confident exterior. It’s an engaging, thought-provoking, and revelatory exploration that peeks into the heavily guarded private life of a man known better for his public persona. It serves as a testament to his influence that maintains his relevance even decades after his departure.

For those with an interest in political history, intriguing, complex characters, or the simple allure of a well-made documentary, Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn is a compelling watch that delivers on all fronts.