As someone who followed Cohn's career in real time it's clear that the film tells real truths about a complicated and fascinating man with no moral boundaries or bottom. And the lesson of Cohn's life, never admit anything, never apologize, and always hit back harder than you were hit, is abundantly demonstrated. Even his own relatives understood the truth.
You will not lose interest in this film.
22 Reviews
ignore angry republicans; this is a well written well researched interesting film
captainblood-3721422 February 2020
At the time of my review (February 2020) the IMDB score is 6.2/10 which is unfair; it should be much higher. The rating of 6.2 is due to angry republicans upset at the connections made to their heroes Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, and others. You may disagree with the conclusion; which is hard to do because these are all facts and all this happened as detailed; but if you don't agree with the conclusions drawn it is wrong to write a review and give it a low rating. This film is balanced and interviews people who liked Roy Cohn and thought he was a great guy. The film tries to find answers to why he was so successful and why people gravitated to him. It's balanced and nuanced. It is well written, well researched, and easy to watch. It's interesting, it's good, I score it 8/10. No way in any universe is this film a 3/10. Only for someone upset with the conclusions and lashing out in anger with ad hominem attacks. If you can get the DVD watch the Q&A with the director and producer in the bonus features. I'm glad I found out about this film and that I was able to watch it.
Bio of a Hyper-Aggressive Lawyer Who Mentored a Certain Real Estate Guy
don250713 October 2019
This is a fascinating documentary of Roy Cohn, a New York power broker and uber lawyer, whose adversary, legal or otherwise, you didn't want to be. We see some of the history of the 20th century as Cohn was involved in the Rosenberg's trial ("I would have pulled the switch if they'd let me"), the Army-McCarthy hearings which ushered the downfall of McCarthyism (Cohn was chief Counsel to Senator McCarthy), and numerous mob trials, including the notorious John Gotti, where - no surprise - Cohn pleaded for the mobsters. The film shows an earlier interview with Cohn where this legal barracuda says: "in our adversary system, the lawyer's job is to win, and to win he should try anything that works" (paraphrase). Accordingly, when a certain landlord and his son were sued by the Justice department for racial discrimination, they hired Cohn who promptly counter-sued the Feds for $100 M. This was the lesson Cohn gave the landlord's young son: you never give in, you never admit you're wrong, you go on the offensive and attack your adversaries in any way you can.
I happened to remember seeing "Citizen Cohn," a docudrama (HBO - 1992), where Cohn's confrontational manner was fostered by his wealthy, hard-bitten mother who dominated her weaker husband. This documentary, on the other hand, seems to emphasize Cohn's mother doting on him as well as his affection for her. I'm no psychologist but perhaps Cohn's aggressive manner was fostered by his absurd attempts to hide his homosexuality, when everyone knew it, up to his death from AIDs (which he called liver cancer). Another fascinating item from this doc was how this aggressive, seemingly unlikable man had scores of friends among New York society. I guess power is a seductive agent.
I have to mention before my closing paragraph in this review that the editing and research in this film were outstanding.
Cohn cloaked himself as a great American patriot which is hard to square with his famous comment (also depicted in the film) that: "my goal is to die with no money and owing the IRS millions." Another self-styled patriot, who's a friend neither of taxes or revealing how much he pays, gave us the title of this film, since when this political "personality" was confronted with the Mueller probe and was displeased with the aggressiveness of his lawyers (Rudy Giuliani!), he is supposed to have said: "where's my Roy Cohn?" Obviously, this individual mentored by the notorious Roy Cohn, resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
I happened to remember seeing "Citizen Cohn," a docudrama (HBO - 1992), where Cohn's confrontational manner was fostered by his wealthy, hard-bitten mother who dominated her weaker husband. This documentary, on the other hand, seems to emphasize Cohn's mother doting on him as well as his affection for her. I'm no psychologist but perhaps Cohn's aggressive manner was fostered by his absurd attempts to hide his homosexuality, when everyone knew it, up to his death from AIDs (which he called liver cancer). Another fascinating item from this doc was how this aggressive, seemingly unlikable man had scores of friends among New York society. I guess power is a seductive agent.
I have to mention before my closing paragraph in this review that the editing and research in this film were outstanding.
Cohn cloaked himself as a great American patriot which is hard to square with his famous comment (also depicted in the film) that: "my goal is to die with no money and owing the IRS millions." Another self-styled patriot, who's a friend neither of taxes or revealing how much he pays, gave us the title of this film, since when this political "personality" was confronted with the Mueller probe and was displeased with the aggressiveness of his lawyers (Rudy Giuliani!), he is supposed to have said: "where's my Roy Cohn?" Obviously, this individual mentored by the notorious Roy Cohn, resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Worthwhile documentary about a smart sleazeball (but still a sleazeball)
paul-allaer22 October 2019
"Where Is My Roy Cohn?" is a documentary about (in)famous lawyer and fixer Roy Cohn. As the movie opens, we get a general introduction to Cohn: "His contempt for the law was clear", and then "I don't car what the law is, I want to know who the judge is". We then go to "1951", when as a 23 yr. lawyer, Cohn becomes Chief Counsel for the (jn)famous McCarthy Committee and its relentless chasing of communists (real or perceived)... At this point we are 10 min. into the movie, but to tell you more of the 'plot' would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Matt Tyrnauer, whi in the last couple of years gave us excellent documentaries like "Citizen Jane" and "Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood". Here the director examines a well-know public figure, Roy Cohn, who became a much feared lawyer (fist in public service, then in private practice). Along the way he becomes a larger than life "fixer" of everything and anyone. "No matter what, always claim victory, and never apologize", was Cohn's favorite mantra. Sounds familiar? A young Donald Trump eagerly learns from Cohn and in fact Trump is featured extensively in the film. This movie is not a flattering or admiring portrait of Cohn (on the contrary, Cohn comes across as a stone cold sleezebag, albeit a very samr one). But I must admit that the documentary is well crafted and the time just flew by. Incidentally, the movie's title is of course a quote from Trump, when the Russia investgation exploded and Trump mutters to no-one in particular but himself "Where is my Roy Cohn?", as apparently Trump wishes he had a fixer of the caliber of Cohn, never mind the ethics or legality of it all. (And Giuliani only wishes he could be a fixer at the level of Cohn.)
The documentary recently opened, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Saturday matinee screening where I saw this at was not attended well (exactly 6 people, including myself). That's a shame. Hopefully this will find a larger audience as it expands onto other platforms. Meaning, if you have any interest in politics, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Matt Tyrnauer, whi in the last couple of years gave us excellent documentaries like "Citizen Jane" and "Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood". Here the director examines a well-know public figure, Roy Cohn, who became a much feared lawyer (fist in public service, then in private practice). Along the way he becomes a larger than life "fixer" of everything and anyone. "No matter what, always claim victory, and never apologize", was Cohn's favorite mantra. Sounds familiar? A young Donald Trump eagerly learns from Cohn and in fact Trump is featured extensively in the film. This movie is not a flattering or admiring portrait of Cohn (on the contrary, Cohn comes across as a stone cold sleezebag, albeit a very samr one). But I must admit that the documentary is well crafted and the time just flew by. Incidentally, the movie's title is of course a quote from Trump, when the Russia investgation exploded and Trump mutters to no-one in particular but himself "Where is my Roy Cohn?", as apparently Trump wishes he had a fixer of the caliber of Cohn, never mind the ethics or legality of it all. (And Giuliani only wishes he could be a fixer at the level of Cohn.)
The documentary recently opened, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Saturday matinee screening where I saw this at was not attended well (exactly 6 people, including myself). That's a shame. Hopefully this will find a larger audience as it expands onto other platforms. Meaning, if you have any interest in politics, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Fascinating Documentary That Suffers from TDS
bysterbusch22 April 2020
Ignore the creepy republican trolls
jjdausey20 September 2019
This Is How We Got Trump
mattrett22 September 2019
Connect a dot explains a lot
jrneptune7 April 2020
Lots of information to take in and explains more than I expected not just about Roy Cohn but other people that he has been associated with.
Explains the belief system that he basically followed as well. I will leave it at that and leave it to the viewer to watch it unscathed.
Explains the belief system that he basically followed as well. I will leave it at that and leave it to the viewer to watch it unscathed.
LOOKING FOR A CONNECTION
kirbylee70-599-52617927 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
History will not look fondly on lawyer Roy Cohn. Not only will books be written about condemning the man, and deservedly so, but this film will also be a part of that negative look at his life and times. But there will still be a problem with that reflection of Cohn and this film bears that out.
Cohn came to prominence when was the prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice in the trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. The film paint a picture of him as a heartless, determined prosecutor in the case but at the same time (as with many who talk about it) fails to note that recent documents have proven that they were indeed guilty.
He then increased his notoriety by assisting Senator Joseph McCarthy during his investigation into communist infiltrating the country. Using any means necessary to achieve their goals this would eventually lead to the downfall of McCarthy as he took things too far, many times encouraged by Cohn. Labeled a witch hunt and known for the blacklisting of many in Hollywood, the hearings have gained a reputation for being an attack on upright citizens. Again while the film covers this it doesn't acknowledge that recent documents have proven much of what McCarthy claimed was true.
As the film notes these two incidents helped catapult Cohn into the limelight, a celebrity status that he not only enjoyed but relished in. It also led him to a lucrative career as a lawyer who would use any and all means he could find to win his cases. For Cohn there seemed to be no right or wrong, there was just winning. This led him to become a lawyer representing the well-known and wealthy including the owners of Club 54, George Steinbrenner, Aristotle Onassis and a then business owner and developer named Donald Trump among others.
The film delves into the personal life of Cohn as well, noting that while he publicly admonished, prosecuted and condemned homosexuals in public he was one himself behind closed doors. The film portrays this as perhaps not so much a secret as a well-known fact that few discussed. It even highlights one of his partners in interviews.
The film uses many interviews with various people as it paints the picture of a man who was controlling, vindictive and an all-around sleaze ball. The type of lawyer that you would hate to face in court but who you would love defending you. It also notes much of his involvement with political figures in the past as he worked on various campaigns. At the same time you have to wonder how much help he could have provided as he was getting older about this time. The same thought ran through my mind knowing that he died in 1986.
While he died 30 years before Trump was elected as President of the United States, it doesn't stop director/producer Matt Tyrnauer from attempting to link Cohn and Trump together in a political sense. While Cohn represented Trump back in the late 70s as his lawyer, Tyrnauer tries to create the impression that Cohn was the mastermind that created the political figure that has become Donald Trump. This gets mentioned throughout the film and is perhaps its biggest fault.
What could have been an illuminating documentary about the life of Cohn it ends up being a diatribe of anti-Trump sentiment. I wondered about this while watching the film and then viewing the extras it became clear as Tyrnauer states that his interest in the story began when Trump was elected and how he saw something wrong in that. It is an admission of sorts that the true story here was to paint a picture that could or could not actually have taken place, but that innuendo and supposition might be able to do damage.
This is not a view of support or condemnation for Trump. But when film makers, documentarians in particular, make their goal not to tell the story of their subject but to sway people's beliefs then the category of their films changes from documentary to propaganda. That was something that Roy Cohn was a master of which makes it a bit unusual to view a movie that condemns the practices of Cohn using the same methods in their depiction of him.
Cohn was not a good man and this documentary does prove that. But its obvious intent to be something more than that mars the end result. For that reason I consider this film more a personal view of its creator about the subject and less offering a historical background.
Cohn came to prominence when was the prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice in the trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. The film paint a picture of him as a heartless, determined prosecutor in the case but at the same time (as with many who talk about it) fails to note that recent documents have proven that they were indeed guilty.
He then increased his notoriety by assisting Senator Joseph McCarthy during his investigation into communist infiltrating the country. Using any means necessary to achieve their goals this would eventually lead to the downfall of McCarthy as he took things too far, many times encouraged by Cohn. Labeled a witch hunt and known for the blacklisting of many in Hollywood, the hearings have gained a reputation for being an attack on upright citizens. Again while the film covers this it doesn't acknowledge that recent documents have proven much of what McCarthy claimed was true.
As the film notes these two incidents helped catapult Cohn into the limelight, a celebrity status that he not only enjoyed but relished in. It also led him to a lucrative career as a lawyer who would use any and all means he could find to win his cases. For Cohn there seemed to be no right or wrong, there was just winning. This led him to become a lawyer representing the well-known and wealthy including the owners of Club 54, George Steinbrenner, Aristotle Onassis and a then business owner and developer named Donald Trump among others.
The film delves into the personal life of Cohn as well, noting that while he publicly admonished, prosecuted and condemned homosexuals in public he was one himself behind closed doors. The film portrays this as perhaps not so much a secret as a well-known fact that few discussed. It even highlights one of his partners in interviews.
The film uses many interviews with various people as it paints the picture of a man who was controlling, vindictive and an all-around sleaze ball. The type of lawyer that you would hate to face in court but who you would love defending you. It also notes much of his involvement with political figures in the past as he worked on various campaigns. At the same time you have to wonder how much help he could have provided as he was getting older about this time. The same thought ran through my mind knowing that he died in 1986.
While he died 30 years before Trump was elected as President of the United States, it doesn't stop director/producer Matt Tyrnauer from attempting to link Cohn and Trump together in a political sense. While Cohn represented Trump back in the late 70s as his lawyer, Tyrnauer tries to create the impression that Cohn was the mastermind that created the political figure that has become Donald Trump. This gets mentioned throughout the film and is perhaps its biggest fault.
What could have been an illuminating documentary about the life of Cohn it ends up being a diatribe of anti-Trump sentiment. I wondered about this while watching the film and then viewing the extras it became clear as Tyrnauer states that his interest in the story began when Trump was elected and how he saw something wrong in that. It is an admission of sorts that the true story here was to paint a picture that could or could not actually have taken place, but that innuendo and supposition might be able to do damage.
This is not a view of support or condemnation for Trump. But when film makers, documentarians in particular, make their goal not to tell the story of their subject but to sway people's beliefs then the category of their films changes from documentary to propaganda. That was something that Roy Cohn was a master of which makes it a bit unusual to view a movie that condemns the practices of Cohn using the same methods in their depiction of him.
Cohn was not a good man and this documentary does prove that. But its obvious intent to be something more than that mars the end result. For that reason I consider this film more a personal view of its creator about the subject and less offering a historical background.
Informative and entertaining doc on tough and corrupt attorney.
blanbrn10 February 2020
"Where's My Roy Cohn?" is one doc that's well done with old footage, interviews and even own words from Roy that describe this very complex man as somewhat evil or a true American it's who you ask. The film tells of his origins as how he was a real mommies boy, and interested in politics from a young age. Him becoming an attorney his connections helped shaped the future political world, as his first steps were the prosecution of the Rosenbergs, then he was the right hand man to Senator Joseph McCarthy, then Roy sprung out to be a man of his own in the New York legal world.
Roy always fought and sought power never admitting guilt, as he knew how to con and manipulate the system from business dealings to bribes, and dealings with politicians, real estate people and lying to get away. Yet he was good personal friends with Barbara Walters and would mentor Donald Trump during his early days, all while hiding in the closet. As in the 80's rumors begin only Roy denied his homosexuality and dying of "AIDS" until the final day. Well done look at a dark figure of 20 century society. Roy will long be remembered as odd, different and determined heck he even kept a stuffed animal collection.
Roy always fought and sought power never admitting guilt, as he knew how to con and manipulate the system from business dealings to bribes, and dealings with politicians, real estate people and lying to get away. Yet he was good personal friends with Barbara Walters and would mentor Donald Trump during his early days, all while hiding in the closet. As in the 80's rumors begin only Roy denied his homosexuality and dying of "AIDS" until the final day. Well done look at a dark figure of 20 century society. Roy will long be remembered as odd, different and determined heck he even kept a stuffed animal collection.
The truth for a change
ravitchn11 September 2020
While I DID SEE THE Army- McCarthy Hearing on tv in 1953 I did not know of Roy Cohn's later deeds and misdeeds, since I had left NYC. It was eye opening to see that such worthies as Barbara Walters, Ronald Reagan, Ed Koch, and even Cardinal Spellman were in his corner and his cronies. Learned a lot about our urban elites, quite different from what I had thought. And the way Donald Trump modeled his life on Cohn, including the weird family influences, was most welcome..
Excellent documentary
karencookstoo15 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary is a must see for anyone who wants to understand Trump's basic philosophy: deny, lie, attack, then own it and say so what if it's true and what are you gonna do about it? This same philosophy worked for Cohn, his mentor, until it didn't and he was left to die alone, disbarred and broke. It is my dream ending for the current occupant of the White House.
Laziness
westsideschl25 December 2019
Humans like all animals try to save energy, for us we call it laziness. Ignorance is one manifestation. Cohn was the opposite - intelligent, relentless, and he knew how to take advantage of that human condition, "It is the use of the big lie ... accusation ... in the name of Americanism ... political value of wrapping yourself in the flag ... and always when meeting with reporters say 'God bless America'". Cohn stoked fear from McCarthy & the communists to N.Y. mobsters then eventually to N.Y. real money - real estate & the Trump family. Even when the Justice Dept. went after the aforementioned he still won by taking advantage of ignorance & as he taught Trump - change the discussion by attacking your opponents.
Compelling documentary presents prescient portrait of Donald Trump's mentor
Turfseer10 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Matt Tyrnauer's gripping and thought-provoking documentary, "Where's My Roy Cohn?" delves into the complex life of Roy Cohn, the brilliant and enigmatic figure who left an indelible mark on American politics and society. Cohn's influence extended from his notorious role as Senator Joe McCarthy's right-hand man during the infamous witch hunts to his later mentorship of a young Donald Trump in the cutthroat world of New York real estate.
The film masterfully utilizes archival footage, providing an intimate look at Cohn's early years as a brash US attorney, fervently dedicated to eradicating Communism from every corner of American life. His involvement in the Army-McCarthy hearings marked a turning point, with insinuations about his and McCarthy's sexuality surfacing as the Republican establishment turned against them.
The documentary delves into Cohn's refusal to acknowledge his homosexuality, with some critics accusing him of inauthenticity. However, the film challenges this notion, asserting that his sexual orientation should not overshadow his actions and character. Tyrnauer does a commendable job of examining the multifaceted persona of Cohn, avoiding simplistic stereotypes.
Cohn's "take no prisoners" approach and his mastery of character assassination served him well throughout his career, allowing him to evade multiple legal challenges and accusations. His charm and intellect, along with his willingness to defend unpopular clients, endeared him to numerous celebrities and powerful figures.
However, the film doesn't shy away from revealing the darker side of Cohn's persona. His relentless pursuit of victory at any cost left a trail of victims in his wake, as seen in lesser-known incidents involving a family-owned business and a tragic yacht accident.
Tyrnauer's documentary captures a pivotal moment when Gore Vidal, a witty liberal raconteur, publicly challenged Cohn during a TV debate. Vidal exposed Cohn's smear campaigns and questioned the validity of the Communist threat, setting the stage for a battle of ideas that still resonates today.
As with Trump, Cohn foresaw the potency of appealing to Middle America's resentment towards "liberal elites." This ability to tap into populist sentiment showcased Cohn's foresight, positioning him as a master manipulator in the world of celebrity and politics.
The film concludes with Cohn's decline, marked by a mysterious illness that some attributed to AIDS. While the exact cause of his death remains uncertain, "Where's My Roy Cohn?" emphasizes that his legacy lies not in his private life but in his ruthless pursuit of power and success.
In the end, "Where's My Roy Cohn?" is a compelling and incisive exploration of an influential yet controversial figure. Tyrnauer's skilled direction provides an unfiltered glimpse into Cohn's life, raising pertinent questions about the intersection of politics, power, and personal identity. This documentary is a must-watch for those seeking to understand the complex tapestry of American history and the indelible influence of Roy Cohn on a generation of political figures.
The film masterfully utilizes archival footage, providing an intimate look at Cohn's early years as a brash US attorney, fervently dedicated to eradicating Communism from every corner of American life. His involvement in the Army-McCarthy hearings marked a turning point, with insinuations about his and McCarthy's sexuality surfacing as the Republican establishment turned against them.
The documentary delves into Cohn's refusal to acknowledge his homosexuality, with some critics accusing him of inauthenticity. However, the film challenges this notion, asserting that his sexual orientation should not overshadow his actions and character. Tyrnauer does a commendable job of examining the multifaceted persona of Cohn, avoiding simplistic stereotypes.
Cohn's "take no prisoners" approach and his mastery of character assassination served him well throughout his career, allowing him to evade multiple legal challenges and accusations. His charm and intellect, along with his willingness to defend unpopular clients, endeared him to numerous celebrities and powerful figures.
However, the film doesn't shy away from revealing the darker side of Cohn's persona. His relentless pursuit of victory at any cost left a trail of victims in his wake, as seen in lesser-known incidents involving a family-owned business and a tragic yacht accident.
Tyrnauer's documentary captures a pivotal moment when Gore Vidal, a witty liberal raconteur, publicly challenged Cohn during a TV debate. Vidal exposed Cohn's smear campaigns and questioned the validity of the Communist threat, setting the stage for a battle of ideas that still resonates today.
As with Trump, Cohn foresaw the potency of appealing to Middle America's resentment towards "liberal elites." This ability to tap into populist sentiment showcased Cohn's foresight, positioning him as a master manipulator in the world of celebrity and politics.
The film concludes with Cohn's decline, marked by a mysterious illness that some attributed to AIDS. While the exact cause of his death remains uncertain, "Where's My Roy Cohn?" emphasizes that his legacy lies not in his private life but in his ruthless pursuit of power and success.
In the end, "Where's My Roy Cohn?" is a compelling and incisive exploration of an influential yet controversial figure. Tyrnauer's skilled direction provides an unfiltered glimpse into Cohn's life, raising pertinent questions about the intersection of politics, power, and personal identity. This documentary is a must-watch for those seeking to understand the complex tapestry of American history and the indelible influence of Roy Cohn on a generation of political figures.
Roy Cohn and the Demon Angels in America
lkgleeson6 December 2020
Utilizing traditional documentary techniques of voice-over narration, direct interviews, archival footage and photographic stills, Trynauer exposes Cohn's malign influence and contextualizes him as a modern Machiavelli who influences our country today at the highest level.
Cohn first came into the public eye as an assistant to J. Edgar Hoover and handled the prosecution of Julius and Ethyl Rosenberg, a Jewish couple arrested, tried, convicted and executed for spying for Russia and securing Manhattan Project documents for the Russian government. Cohn, a twenty-three-year-old fast-rising attorney, claimed to have not only persuaded the presiding judge, Irving Kaufman, to impose the death penalty but also to have had Judge Irving assigned the case. Cohn's reward for the Rosenberg execution was an appointment as special counsel to the 1950's, US Senatorial demagogue, Joseph McCarthy. Tyrnauer provides compelling evidence Cohn was responsible for much of McCarthy's demagoguery and rise to power.
Cohn had refined his strategy well over the years as the primary press leaker during his McCarthy days gaining the friendship of the formidable press magnate, Walter Winchell, and a cadre of ambitious reporters. How Cohn had been able to pressure the judiciary was less clear. To me, his political clout emanated from his wide social circle of wealthy, influential friends. Cohn was known for throwing lavish parties and hobnobbed with almost every imaginable socialite of the day including then artist, Andy Warhol, and re-emerged as a New York power broker, mafia consigliere, white-collar criminal, and, eventually, the mentor of Donald J. Trump.
Following Cohn's lead, Trump began his flamboyant rise first on Cohn's shoulders and then his back. Eventually, Trump became the master of personal attacks, hyperbole, sensationalism, and utilizing the press to get out in front of the story. The similarities are uncanny and for me to say the likeness of these character trajectories are disturbing would be an understatement. One of the most powerful and politically revealing films of the festival.
Cohn first came into the public eye as an assistant to J. Edgar Hoover and handled the prosecution of Julius and Ethyl Rosenberg, a Jewish couple arrested, tried, convicted and executed for spying for Russia and securing Manhattan Project documents for the Russian government. Cohn, a twenty-three-year-old fast-rising attorney, claimed to have not only persuaded the presiding judge, Irving Kaufman, to impose the death penalty but also to have had Judge Irving assigned the case. Cohn's reward for the Rosenberg execution was an appointment as special counsel to the 1950's, US Senatorial demagogue, Joseph McCarthy. Tyrnauer provides compelling evidence Cohn was responsible for much of McCarthy's demagoguery and rise to power.
Cohn had refined his strategy well over the years as the primary press leaker during his McCarthy days gaining the friendship of the formidable press magnate, Walter Winchell, and a cadre of ambitious reporters. How Cohn had been able to pressure the judiciary was less clear. To me, his political clout emanated from his wide social circle of wealthy, influential friends. Cohn was known for throwing lavish parties and hobnobbed with almost every imaginable socialite of the day including then artist, Andy Warhol, and re-emerged as a New York power broker, mafia consigliere, white-collar criminal, and, eventually, the mentor of Donald J. Trump.
Following Cohn's lead, Trump began his flamboyant rise first on Cohn's shoulders and then his back. Eventually, Trump became the master of personal attacks, hyperbole, sensationalism, and utilizing the press to get out in front of the story. The similarities are uncanny and for me to say the likeness of these character trajectories are disturbing would be an understatement. One of the most powerful and politically revealing films of the festival.
Don't waste your time...like I did.
FreddyShoop2 February 2020
I prefer documentaries with less of an agenda. There are many holes the director just fills with non-sequiturs, leaps of faith, and innuendo. It just makes me appreciate how documentarians like Ken Burns and Ric Burns are light years ahead of filmmakers like these (and it takes them years to research and craft a credible story). A nasty bit of work, much like the person it is about. Hard pass!
Well made trash....
phelectric4 January 2020
Sound over sound
dcarroll7431 March 2020
I would liked to have watched this documentary however, it was made impossible because, right at the beginning of the documentary where "taped voice " was used; it was impossible to hear what was said because. the music sound track overwhelmed the vocal. I tried 3 times to make out was was said, to no avail therefore, from my point of view; if one cannot hear the "opening argument", one can never make out what is meant, even by skipping to where vocal sound is clearer. Something will always be missing, turning a 1000 piece jigsaw into a 999 piece.
Another Hollywood display of TDS...
jaimegonzales21019 April 2020
If you hate Donald Trump you will like this "documentary".
If however, you don't hate Trump, and you appreciate honesty and truth, then there isn't much of that here.
Some facts held together by innuendo and supposition by a like-minded group of smug, self-congratulating people who think they are heroes of the revolution are what you get.
If however, you don't hate Trump, and you appreciate honesty and truth, then there isn't much of that here.
Some facts held together by innuendo and supposition by a like-minded group of smug, self-congratulating people who think they are heroes of the revolution are what you get.
First Hit: Cohn was a despicable arrogant man, and I can see why he and Trump were good friends.
michaeldoud20 October 2019
First Hit: Cohn was a despicable arrogant man, and I can see why he and Trump were good friends.
When Donald Trump asked out loud, "where's my Roy Cohn," he was fondly thinking about his past relationship and mentor Roy Cohn. Cohn was a former federal prosecutor who prosecuted the Rosenbergs' in 1951 and then became assistant to Joseph McCarthy during the McCarthy communist hearings of 1954. Regarding the Rosenberg trial, in one of the clips in this movie, he's shown saying he would have liked to flip the switch to kill them both. His hooded eye look, when he talked, gave many people the sense and feeling that Roy was the devil, shady, to say the least.
In the McCarthy hearings, Joseph McCarthy and Cohn made names for themselves. Cohn and McCarthy were pathological in their intent that they alone were the defenders of our democracy. In doing so, they believed they needed to call-out and root out anyone suspected of being a communist sympathizer. They were focused on fear-based thought that the Soviets (Russia and the Soviet Union at the time) were going to destroy our government and our way of life. During these sets of hearings, they destroyed the lives of many people.
What we see as audience members are that both McCarthy and Cohn used the tactic of deflection of the truth with an alternative story to push attention on to something other than what needs to be focused on.
Although I was unaware of it earlier, the film also points out the McCarthy was a closet gay man. With Cohn also being a closeted gay man, the hearings also helped to deflect attention to their own personal stories and struggles. It also provided fodder for their downfall.
Reading the above, do you note how Trump uses the same pattern of deflection to steer attention away from his own wrongdoing? Yes, this is what DJT does, when he is caught up in something that is a detriment to himself, he deflects and pushes the subject towards something else. Additionally, throughout the film, Cohn is quoted and is shown saying he never apologizes or admits he is wrong about anything. Note the similarity to DJT?
When did DJT learn more about the effects of openly lying and deflecting away from the real story? Donald Trump and his father Fred met Cohn in 1973 when DJT and his father were being sued by the US Government for violating the Fair Housing Act. Cohn came to the rescue. Continuing the pattern of lying and deflection, the case was not prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It was at this time, Donald and Roy became close friends, and for years Cohn worked with Trump to excoriate opponents of the DJT companies. Roy became Donald's mentor.
The film spends time talking about his upbringing and his lifestyle. It showed him high from the full range of drugs he'd consume, but it was also always about creating a more prominent story somewhere else so that the attention to his own issues or behavior was not being scrutinized.
Cohn denied he was AIDS-stricken and until the end he publicly stated he wasn't gay and that he didn't have AIDS, although his friend Nancy and Ronald Reagan got him into specialized AIDS treatment programs.
I cannot imagine that he died with internal peace.
The only redeeming value brought up in the film about Cohn was that he was loyal to his friends. It was interesting to note that when he was finally disbarred from practicing law for his many illegal practices, his friends, including Trump, failed to show him support.
The documentary uses photos, news stories, and film/video clips of interviews with Cohn to document Cohn's career.
Matt Tyrnauer directed this film chronologically and highlighted the salient points of Cohn's life.
Overall: It's no wonder Trump said, "where's my Roy Cohn" when he admonished his Attorney General Jeff Sessions for not lying, covering up, or protecting him like Cohn. Cohn was a liar and thief, and as wrong as Sessions was, he wouldn't go that far.
When Donald Trump asked out loud, "where's my Roy Cohn," he was fondly thinking about his past relationship and mentor Roy Cohn. Cohn was a former federal prosecutor who prosecuted the Rosenbergs' in 1951 and then became assistant to Joseph McCarthy during the McCarthy communist hearings of 1954. Regarding the Rosenberg trial, in one of the clips in this movie, he's shown saying he would have liked to flip the switch to kill them both. His hooded eye look, when he talked, gave many people the sense and feeling that Roy was the devil, shady, to say the least.
In the McCarthy hearings, Joseph McCarthy and Cohn made names for themselves. Cohn and McCarthy were pathological in their intent that they alone were the defenders of our democracy. In doing so, they believed they needed to call-out and root out anyone suspected of being a communist sympathizer. They were focused on fear-based thought that the Soviets (Russia and the Soviet Union at the time) were going to destroy our government and our way of life. During these sets of hearings, they destroyed the lives of many people.
What we see as audience members are that both McCarthy and Cohn used the tactic of deflection of the truth with an alternative story to push attention on to something other than what needs to be focused on.
Although I was unaware of it earlier, the film also points out the McCarthy was a closet gay man. With Cohn also being a closeted gay man, the hearings also helped to deflect attention to their own personal stories and struggles. It also provided fodder for their downfall.
Reading the above, do you note how Trump uses the same pattern of deflection to steer attention away from his own wrongdoing? Yes, this is what DJT does, when he is caught up in something that is a detriment to himself, he deflects and pushes the subject towards something else. Additionally, throughout the film, Cohn is quoted and is shown saying he never apologizes or admits he is wrong about anything. Note the similarity to DJT?
When did DJT learn more about the effects of openly lying and deflecting away from the real story? Donald Trump and his father Fred met Cohn in 1973 when DJT and his father were being sued by the US Government for violating the Fair Housing Act. Cohn came to the rescue. Continuing the pattern of lying and deflection, the case was not prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It was at this time, Donald and Roy became close friends, and for years Cohn worked with Trump to excoriate opponents of the DJT companies. Roy became Donald's mentor.
The film spends time talking about his upbringing and his lifestyle. It showed him high from the full range of drugs he'd consume, but it was also always about creating a more prominent story somewhere else so that the attention to his own issues or behavior was not being scrutinized.
Cohn denied he was AIDS-stricken and until the end he publicly stated he wasn't gay and that he didn't have AIDS, although his friend Nancy and Ronald Reagan got him into specialized AIDS treatment programs.
I cannot imagine that he died with internal peace.
The only redeeming value brought up in the film about Cohn was that he was loyal to his friends. It was interesting to note that when he was finally disbarred from practicing law for his many illegal practices, his friends, including Trump, failed to show him support.
The documentary uses photos, news stories, and film/video clips of interviews with Cohn to document Cohn's career.
Matt Tyrnauer directed this film chronologically and highlighted the salient points of Cohn's life.
Overall: It's no wonder Trump said, "where's my Roy Cohn" when he admonished his Attorney General Jeff Sessions for not lying, covering up, or protecting him like Cohn. Cohn was a liar and thief, and as wrong as Sessions was, he wouldn't go that far.
Hard to stomach
bobzmcishl11 June 2020
The problem with this documentary is the subject matter. Hard to watch such a such an unsavory character for 90 minutes, and knowing he passed on his very worst character traits to the current occupant of the White House. Of course without Trump, this documentary would not even had been made. Outside of New York, Cohn was not even that well known, except for his sleazy legal counsel representation on Joe McCarthy's infamous committee. New York City doesn't come off very well either back in 1960's/70's with a corrupt political class, corrupt police, a town under the control of the mafia, and a shallow cafe society. Frankly the best part of this documentary was when Cohn finally got disbarred, and he died of aids. Now we are left with the after affects of his life, which is a corrupt Republican Party supported by a team of corrupt lawyers.
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