About Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn

"Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn" is a documentary released in 2020 that exposes the controversial life of Roy Cohn, a powerful attorney and notorious political fixer whose influence reached the highest levels of government. Directed by Ivy Meeropol, it portrays Cohn’s life from his role as the ruthless prosecutor in the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg case, to his key role in the McCarthy hearings, to his influence on future President Donald Trump. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, the film illustrates the profound influence Cohn had on American politics and culture.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Ivy Meeropol, whose grandparents, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, were prosecuted by Cohn. The personal connection here adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. Meeropol presents an impartial view of Cohn, addressing both his political victories and his fall from grace.

Actors

• Roy Cohn - Archive footage of Cohn himself is used extensively throughout the documentary to help portray the man and his life.
• Various interviewees - The documentary features interviews with Cohn's colleagues, friends, family, and other notable figures who crossed paths with Cohn. Each interviewee helps to paint a more complete picture of Cohn's life and character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary’s title, “Bully. Coward. Victim.”, originated from an AIDS Quilt panel made in Roy Cohn’s name.
• The director, Ivy Meeropol, is the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were prosecuted by Cohn and executed for alleged spying activities.
• This documentary was released on HBO in 2020.

Quotes

• "He was a true believer in what he did, he saw his tactics as valid." - Interviewee on Cohn
• "I learned a lot from Roy Cohn." - Donald Trump

Music, Soundtrack

• The documentary scores feature music that complements the film's tone and drives the narrative forward. The soundtrack includes pieces from composer Nathan Halpern.