Despite the controversy already stirred up by Robert Mapplethorpe's photography, Cincinnati art curator Dennis Barrie (James Woods) decides to exhibit them. The sexually charged photos catch the eye of County Sheriff Simon Leis (Craig T. Nelson), who is aghast. Leis tries to have Barrie... [More]

Despite the controversy already stirred up by Robert Mapplethorpe's photography, Cincinnati art curator Dennis Barrie (James Woods) decides to exhibit them. The sexually charged photos catch the eye of County Sheriff Simon Leis (Craig T. Nelson), who is aghast. Leis tries to have Barrie thrown in jail, but the case is taken to court, where a jury must deliberate over the age-old art vs. pornography verdict. The proceedings strain Barrie's relationships with his wife (Diana Scarwid) and children, but Barrie fights to the end to protect what he believes is a fundamental American right. This made-for-cable film is based on a true story and features footage from the actual trial and intercut commentary on censorship by Salman Rushdie, Barney Frank, and Fran Liebowitz. [Less]