Roy Cohn is one of the more controversial figures in political history. He’s been the subject of numerous books and films over the years, as his harsh tactics have become legendary. And in the latest look at his life and career, for the HBO doc “Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn,” the man’s life is seen in a new light, as a mentor of President Donald Trump.
As seen in the trailer for the HBO doc, ‘Bully’ covers all the bases of the Roy Cohn story, including his McCarthy-era controversy, his closeted sexuality, and his influence on famous people. However, this film goes the extra mile to show how Cohn’s cutthroat demeanor served as an influence on Donald Trump, well before he’d become the notorious President of the United States.
‘Bully’ is directed by Ivy Meeropol. The filmmaker has an interesting link to Cohn as she’s the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were prosecuted by the controversial figure and sentenced to death. She previously explored that story in another doc, titled “Heir to an Execution.”
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The new HBO doc features interviews with John Waters, Cindy Adams, Alan Dershowitz, Nathan Lane, and Tony Kushner.
“Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn” debuts on HBO on June 19.
Here’s the synopsis:
BULLY. COWARD. VICTIM. THE STORY OF ROY COHN takes an unflinching look at the life and death of infamous attorney Roy Cohn, who first gained prominence by prosecuting Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in what came to be known as the “atomic spies” case. Director Ivy Meeropol brings a unique perspective as the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg; having spent much of her life feeling both repelled and fascinated by the man who prosecuted her grandparents, obtained their convictions in federal court and then insisted on their executions.