The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Movie Review

In a year where theaters have been abandoned, Netflix capitalizes by providing exquisite viewing options that have real opportunities to challenge for multiple Oscars. One of those viewing options: The Trial of the Chicago 7.

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $35 million

BOX OFFICE: $107,400

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS/AUDIENCE SCORE: 90% / 91%  

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Writer and Director Aaron Sorkin sheds light on the trial that took place following the Democratic National Convention on 1968. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the movie follows a collection of men who convened in the city to protest the government and the war in Vietnam. 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 boasts a particularly talented cast, which brings the story to life: Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman, Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin, John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger, Mark Rylance as William Kunstler, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz. There is also a somewhat surprise cameo that I'll leave for the spoiler review.

The genius of Aaron Sorkin in combination with the collection of acting talent sets the stage for a wonderful movie, and it does not disappoint! Despite the seemingly mundane scene in which most of the movie takes place, I could not help but find myself riveted by such a vibrant bunch of antagonistic protagonists. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION 

My first reaction after finishing the movie was that I wanted to watch it again. I wanted more time with all of the characters and their personalities. They drew me in to the movie and kept me interested throughout.

My Rating: A

I think this movie is headed for Oscar recognition. I can see a best picture nomination and possibly a couple of acting nominations. Definitely worth a watch!

SPOILER REVIEW

The movie begins as each of the masterminds that will eventually be put on trial organize their resources and plans for protests in Chicago. 

To recap, the leaders and their respective organizations are: Tom Hayden and Rennie Davis (leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society), David Dellinger (leader of National Mobilization Against the War), Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin (leaders of Youth International Party), John Froines, and Lee Weiner. There was also one additional defendant named Bobby Seale (cofounder of the Black Panther Party), but Seale's case (tried separately from the rest) was declared a mistrial. 

The trial was for a conspiracy to incite violent protests and riots across state lines. The location of Chicago, the national forum of the Democratic National Convention, and the trial being a federal case due to the leaders crossing state lines put this in the spotlight of national media. 

Most of this movie takes place in the confines of a court room with occasional glimpses of the riots themselves. One might think that the setting might make the movie dull or sluggish, but I was pleasantly enthralled the entire time.

The differences between Hayden and Hoffman throughout was riveting, most of which was political or ideological banter. Also the dynamic of the two primary lawyers and the judge was fascinating (and aggravating) to watch. The chemistry and personality of all of the actors kept this story interesting and demanded my attention throughout. 

Ultimately, a star witness is called to swing the trial in the favor of the defendants. Michael Keaton plays Ramsey Clark, the formal U.S. Attorney General, who comes in to set the record straight on government involvement in this case. Based on actual events, the movie ends with small blurbs on where each defendant ended up in their lives following the trial. 

While watching this movie, one could be reminded of the protests that took place over the summer during 2020. While those protests were race related, and the protests in 1968 were (mostly) related to ending the war in Vietnam, the comparisons are there to be made. The visuals of rioting and police violence are vivid and horrifying, reminding us that this country has come a long way, but also that we still have a long way to go.