The Trial of the Chicago 7

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 16, 2020

Genre
Historical Drama, Legal Drama

Cast & Crew

• Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden
• Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale
• Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin
• Mark Rylance as William Kunstler
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz
• Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman
• Michael Keaton as Ramsey Clark

Director
Aaron Sorkin

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Molly’s Game (2017)

Producer
Stuart M. Besser, Matt Jackson, Marc Platt

Writer
Aaron Sorkin

Budget
$35 million

Production Company
Cross Creek Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Marc Platt Productions

Running Time
129 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Depictions of police brutality
• Political violence

Movie Story
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” recounts the infamous legal battle following the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where anti-Vietnam War protesters clashed violently with police and National Guardsmen. The film centers on the trial of seven men—Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), John Froines (Danny Flaherty), and Lee Weiner (Noah Robbins)—who were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot, as well as Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a Black Panther leader who was tried alongside them under controversial circumstances.

Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay skillfully intertwines courtroom drama with flashbacks to the events leading up to the trial, illustrating the social and political tensions of the 1960s. As the trial unfolds, it becomes clear that the defendants are not just fighting for their own freedom, but also standing against a government attempting to silence dissent. The prosecution, led by Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), attempts to paint the defendants as violent radicals, while the defense, led by the charismatic attorney William Kunstler (Mark Rylance), argues that the trial is politically motivated.

The film highlights the contrasting personalities among the defendants, particularly the intellectual, disciplined Tom Hayden and the rebellious, outspoken Abbie Hoffman. Their differing approaches to activism underscore the broader divisions within the anti-war movement. Meanwhile, the judge, Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella), presides over the trial with blatant bias, creating a hostile environment for the defendants and their legal team. Bobby Seale’s treatment in the trial, including his gagging and chaining in the courtroom, exemplifies the racial injustices of the era.

As the trial progresses, the film delves into the absurdity of the charges, the resilience of the defendants, and the impact of the trial on American society. It concludes with a powerful final scene where Tom Hayden reads the names of American soldiers killed in Vietnam, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the war and the principles for which the Chicago 7 were fighting.

Special Effects
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” relies primarily on strong performances and dialogue rather than visual effects. However, the film uses archival footage seamlessly integrated with reenactments to create a vivid portrayal of the 1968 protests and the chaotic courtroom scenes. The cinematography captures the tension and emotional weight of the trial, using tight framing and dynamic camera movements to emphasize the intensity of the legal battles.

Box Office Performance
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” had a limited theatrical release but gained widespread attention through its distribution on Netflix. The film was critically acclaimed and became a significant topic of discussion in the context of contemporary social justice movements.

Filming Locations

• Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Newark, New Jersey, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The whole world is watching!” – Protesters
• “You’re the first to suggest that I have discriminated against a Black man.” – Judge Julius Hoffman
• “I have never been on trial for my thoughts before.” – Abbie Hoffman

Behind-the-Scenes
Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp, fast-paced dialogue, originally wrote the screenplay over a decade before the film was made. The project faced numerous delays, but when it finally came to fruition, Sorkin not only wrote but also directed the film, marking his second feature as a director. The cast underwent extensive research to accurately portray the real-life figures, with Sacha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of Abbie Hoffman standing out for its blend of humor and gravitas.

Awards

• Academy Awards: Nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Sacha Baron Cohen)
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Editing

Final Verdict
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a gripping, timely historical drama that resonates deeply with current events. Aaron Sorkin’s sharp script and direction, combined with a stellar ensemble cast, bring to life a pivotal moment in American history. The film is both a powerful legal drama and a poignant reflection on civil rights, free speech, and the fight for justice. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, law, or social justice.

IMDb Rating
7.7/10