Film Review The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

The Trial of the Chicago 7
Image Source NETFLIX

BACKGROUND

A Netflix Film (October 2020) and is based on true events, when ringleaders from different strands of activist activity, namely: anti-war; anti-authority; revolutionary, were put on trial in regard to events surrounding violent clashes between protestors and police at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois (1968).

Director: Aaron Sorkin
Writer: Aaron Sorkin (screenplay)

Category: Drama, History,


OVERVIEW

At the Democratic Party Convention (Chicago 1968) protestors came together on the day, ranging from a student society demonstrating their support for a democratic society; to those being more anti-authoritarian and more militant in their approaches. Though the demonstration was pre-planned and peaceful; it, somehow, ended up in violent confrontation with the local authorities.

This is the story about the trial of seven ringleaders and which included, Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers (though Seale was not actually involved in the incident on the day). In court, Seale was not properly represented, legally. Astonishingly, this Chicago conspiracy trial turned out to be unfair in more ways than one.

Headed by a dubious Judge, who demonstrated himself to be an untiring advocate for all that was wrong with America at the time. One who airily dismissed proposals out of hand, and when it suited him refused to adhere to courtroom protocol. The prosecution were hot on tarnishing certain ideologies and revealing chinks in what divided the seven. Therefore, to get anywhere the defense lawyer had to work at convincing the defendants to settle their differences, because there was no chance, otherwise, to stand up to the corrupt happenings and to digest the shocking realisation as to what was actually unfolding during the trial.

Comment

This is an extremely watchable courtroom, period drama with a jaw dropping back story attached.

A stonkingly good cast. Wonderful character actors are: John Carroll Lynch, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Michael Keaton.

Splendid is Mark Rylance once again. In this, he plays defense lawyer, William Kunstler. See Rylance's acting brain going Tick. Tick. Tick., showing his character coming to terms and staying ahead of the rising challenges and irritations which materialised during the court proceedings. Rylance can do no wrong in reviewer's mind.

Eddie Redmayne is Tom Hayden and he reveals, very well, a person at odds with himself. What is more important? The public persona? Or his compassion for people and social justice? Through Redmayne's performance we come to understand the man.

We see a lively and a lesson in characterisation worn lightly once again by Sacha Baron Cohen (Abbie Hoffman), his is a great pairing with the eccentric and day dreaming, Jerry Ruben played by actor, Jeremy Strong.

Reviewer could go on singing everyone's praises. No negatives, this Aaron Sorkin's film is just brilliant!