The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) Review

 The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Dir, Aaron Sorkin.

 

 

Sorkin's scintillating screenplay is brought to life by an All-star ensemble.

 

In the murky depths of 2020, cinema is one of the most heavily affected industries. It feels like 80% of the releases that were scheduled for this year have given in to the tidal wave of Covid-related release date delay. But with every loud there comes that corresponding silver lining. Without the competition of the Black Widow's and Fast and Furious 9's of the big screen there’s been an increase of interest in Netflix productions (sorry cinema snobs). The latest of which comes from the acclaimed screen writer Aaron Sorkin.

 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a historical drama centred around the real court case of 7 left-wing protestors who were accused of inciting a violent Chicago riot during the democratic convention prior to the 1968 US election. It stars a number of decorated actors from Eddie Redmayne to Joseph Gordon Levitt. 

 

Every single actor gives a credible performance, aided by the sharp wit of Sorkin's talented dialogue. It’s funny, it’s horrifying. It’s in equal parts hellishly frustrating and smirk-inducing-ly gripping. The use of a non linear narrative structure, though not unique in historical pics such as this, helps keep the viewer guessing as to just how reliable certain testimonies are. In many ways the viewer is spoon fed moments of truth in the same way as the jury in a real trial. The characters are undeniably likeable, though. We never once feel that we should root for the justice system to prevail. 

 

Each actor gives it their all. Sacha Baron Cohen a show stealer; he perfectly encapsulates the smart wits of Sorkin with his character Abbie Hoffman, a chaotic hippie revolutionary with a wisecrack up every sleeve. Mark Rylance plays the passionate and frustrated lawyer; slowly becoming more and more enthralled in his pursuit of justice for the clients. A supporting performance from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale- a black panther member thrown into the same trial as strangers for no other reason than to besmirch his name and cause. A pleasant surprise to see a brief appearance from the always great Michael Keaton as a former state secretary. Joseph Gordon Levitt has an understated performance as the prosecution attorney, never really letting the viewer in on his personal beliefs till the end of the film, but remaining committed to his job despite the farce going on around him. 

 

The story grips you for a reason. The pure frustration of the corrupt justice system. A trial rigged with political motivation. An elderly and outdated judge, played with intense commitment to be as detestably cantankerous as humanly possible by Frank Langella. 

 

Lastly- the films overall message. It’s no coincidence that this film has released now. In 2020. This is a historical event, but yet it feels oh so relevant. One can’t help but see the parallels between these hippies and students being called violent extremists by a corrupt Nixon government, and the Black Lives Matter protests earlier in the year, where Trump called for law and order and waged social war on what he saw as leftist terrorists. History repeats itself, and despite this film being on the production line for many many years, even with Spielberg once attached, it feels like perfect timing for a movie about social and political injustice. 

 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of the strongest films of 2020. Masterfully written, admirably directed and elevated by a series of top tier performances. Baron Cohen and Rylance each throw in their hat for a best supporting actor award in my opinion, with Sorkin more than qualified to get Best Screenplay. 

This is cinema, and in a year when we can’t go to the cinema; the cinema can come to us (sort of). This is the best new film you can watch on Netflix. 

 

9/10 

 

Review by Elliott Thomas Griffiths .