Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen
Rated R for language throughout, some violence, bloody images and drug use
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a new Netflix film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. Based on a true events, the film centers around eight, later seven, individuals who are on trial for inciting violence at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. While the film may be simple in its premise, it does pose interesting questions and commentary that can be related to today.
With a film like The Trial of the Chicago 7, it was bound to have an ensemble cast given that the film focuses on multiple characters. The cast includes the likes of Eddie Redmayne to Mark Rylance and from Sasha Baron Cohen to Joseph Gordon-Levitt. All the actors in this film give top notch performances.They got lost in the character and become the character they are portraying. While everyone gives a fantastic performance, there are a few actors that did stick out. The first is Sasha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman. While we all know the actor for being in raunchy films such as Borat and Bruno, he is an actor who can give a decent performance when given the right material. It was refreshing to see Cohen not be the over the top character, but the calm and well mannered one. He is hilarious whenever he is on screen with Jeremy Strong as Rubin, another individual charge with inciting violence. These two are Yippies, a group protesting the then Vietnam War in a peaceful manner. Occasionally, Cohen will give a stand up routine to other fellow Yippies and this is where he shines the brightest.
Representing Mr. Hoffman in court is William Kunstler who is portrayed by Mark Rylance. Rylance’s character is also well mannered and speaks softly towards the beginning of the film. However, as soon as the trial drags on and its clear the judge is biased against the defendants, Kunstler becomes more enraged that things are not going well. It is with these particular moments where Rylance takes his character to another level. These are the moments we relate to the character and feel their frustration as well. Most of this frustration comes in part by Judge Julius Hoffman (played by Frank Langella). Based on the judge who actually heard the real life case, Judge Hoffman is a lawfully evil character. He isn’t corrupt by any means, but he is a judge who has clearly made up his mind and does not let his individuals have a fair trial. He lets the trial become a circus as the very start to its end, as the trial is a mess. He is an individual who uses the law to his advantage as in one scene he gags an individual in his courtroom. Throughout the film, the audience grows to abhor a judge who is willing to do anything to make sure the Chicago 7 have an unfair trial.
What makes these characters interesting is the writing which is well done. Aaron Sorkin is an exceptional writer and The Trial of the Chicago 7 is no exception. The film is over two hours, but not once does the film drag on. The film flows like a stream and does not intent to slow down once. When the film is in the courtroom, the film still keeps the story engaging. It doesn’t try to delve deep into the legal language, but instead keeps it simple for the audience.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of those films that can be related to today. The same conversations that were being held in the tumultuous year of 1968 are still being held today. Writer and director Aaron Sorkin has delivered a strong film filled with compelling characters and a timely story. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a must watch film as it is guaranteed to bring not only enjoyment, but also a lesson on how history is bound to repeat itself.
4/4
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