7/4/2023 0 Comments Chicago sevenRead the whole review at The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a courtroom drama depicting the outlandish injustices applied to a dispirit group of anti-war activists who were charged with inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Despite the stride towards a more triumphant rather than the more accurately sobering tone in the third act though, Sorkin has pieced together an airtight screenplay with an overwhelmingly impressive cast that executes the material in a substantial fashion giving the project the feel of something genuinely valuable. Unfortunately, this take couldn't feel more in contrast with today's world despite the similarities in the challenges our protagonists are up against and the current assault our democracy is facing. If The Trial of the Chicago 7 hopes to make you feel any certain way though, it's that type of "hurrah" mentality that no matter how evil the bad guys are the good and the just will eventually overcome it. That the film takes the position it does will be an easier pill to swallow for a viewer who stands firmly on one side than the other which raises questions about how those on the wrong side of history now can't see themselves in those on the wrong side of history then, but while this idea might be an aside of Sorkin's it would seem his primary objective is to illustrate the strong foundations of our institutions, but also the myriad of ways in which they can be taken advantage of and the vitality of intent if one cannot find a complete, impartial view of the bigger picture in essence, Sorkin seeks to create something as close to primary material as possible and in large part-especially for the first hour-you want to believe he has. That said, it's also difficult to not want to abandon the real-life aspects altogether and instead simply escape to enjoy the piece for its expertly crafted dialogue exchanges and period-accurate set decorations with hopes that what is depicted on screen respects the institution of integrity enough that we trust what the film is telling us and what it's trying to convince us of are both genuine and honest. With the second directorial effort from A Few Good Men and The Social Network scribe Aaron Sorkin being based on the violent clash between police and antiwar protestors at the 1968 Democratic National Convention it's even more difficult-given the similar cultural landscape we presently find ourselves in-to not want to first and foremost pay attention to the precision of Sorkin's pen so as to not be swayed one way or another by the dramatization of it all. Going into a film so steeped in historical events, facts, and undoubtedly some speculation it's difficult to not want to feel both completely educated and entertained on and by the subject come the conclusion of the film. This has to be the most quality batch of nominees in ages. This is the last of the eight films nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and for the life of me I can't predict who will win. This is one of the more complex subjects I've seen (a trial of seven/eight defendants and all the players and events surrounding the case) and while it doesn't always work (the flashbacks are sometimes difficult to follow), the court room scenes are electrifying.Īll the acting is top notch, but the standout for me wasn't Sacha Baron Cohen (he was excellent) but the judge played by Frank Langella and the lead defense attorney played by Mark Rylance. The scenes of the protests and the infuriating treatment of Bobby Seale during the trial gets the blood boiling and brings back fresh memories of the 2020 protests and treatment of African Americans by pretty much everybody in authority (police, city government, federal government, the court system, etc.)Īnd hot damn is Aaron Sorkin a good writer but mediocre director. The timing of this film is beyond prescient.
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