Review: ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’
In 1968, a revolution was brewing in the summer heat of Chicago. At the National Democratic Convention, a 10,000 strong anti-war protest gathered in the city’s Lincoln Park, and faced off with over 23,000 police offers and the national guard. What followed was one of the most historic court cases in American history, making Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial Of The Chicago 7’ a story that demands to be seen right now. In 2020, after this year’s protests for racial equality and the current political race, the film is even more pivotal, highlighting the famous ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ chant used in the film even more.
The ensemble cast attached to this courtroom drama is astounding; performances from Sasha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II especially stand out. The spirit of the 1960’s anti-war protesters is perfectly encapsulated through Cohen’s character Abbie Hoffman, leader of the Yippies (Youth International Party), who provides the comedic edge and dramatic flair to the film. Accompanying Cohen, is the unrecognisable Jeremy Strong, playing Hoffman’s counterpart Jerry Rubin. Both characters allude to a 60’s irreverence that manages to charm the audience, but never undermines their intelligence. Admittedly, there are times where their stylised wigs are slightly distracting, however, after 20 minutes you will have forgotten all about it.
Once again, Rylance gives us a stellar performance portraying defence attorney William Kunstler. After his best-supporting Oscar win in 2016 for ‘Bridge Of Spies’, he seems to be unstoppable; his nuanced performance carries the film to the finish line and is arguably the best acted. Likewise, Redmayne, playing Tom Hayden is the heart of the film. After receiving accolades for portraying British figures, Redmayne wouldn’t be anyone’s first choice to play the famous American activist. However, he delivers in spades. With his perfectly formed American accent and faultless delivery, Redmayne brings this real-life person to life in a resonating manner.
The Black Panther Party play a small but integral role in the film, with Abdul-Mateen II playing Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the organisation. Seale, having only spent 4 hours in Chicago during the protests, is wrongly accused with the rest of the seven. He is denied his constitutional right to a lawyer and is mistreated by judge Julius Hoffman during the course of the film. Abdul-Mateen II beautifully portrays Seale’s desperation and frustration with the trial and offers a different perspective than the other six white defendants. A fundamental scene in the second act of the film will leave you speechless, and Sorkin uses it as a dramatic device to reinforce the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement in the ’60s and especially today. It is important to note the supporting roles from Michael Keaton, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Alex Sharp that elevate the film and add to its star-studded appeal.
The film is masterfully crafted by writer/director Aaron Sorkin, who’s celebrated writing and quick-paced dialogue is put on display once again. Screenwriter William Goldman once said that “Aaron writes as if he is on a first date, and trying to get a second date” which couldn’t be more accurate here. Each scene jumps seamlessly from one to another and culminates with an incredibly satisfying ending. After the success of 2017’s ‘Molly’s Game’, he takes the reins of this complex real-life drama and steers it into a cinematic masterpiece. – Rhys White
Rating: 5/5
‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ is now playing in select theaters and will start streaming on Netflix on October 16.