The Trial of the Chicago 7 Movie Review
Director Aaron Sorkin and Netflix have another hit on their hands
By Jude Jordi-Donnelly, reporter
Director Aaron Sorkin and Netflix have another hit on their hands
By Jude Jordi-Donnelly, reporter
Thank god Netflix is now producing movies as well as streaming old ones. While audiences have been starved of new releases in 2020, Netflix have been pulling out all the stops to give us a couple additions this year. It's great to say they’ve continued their current hot streak with the addition of The Trial of the Chicago 7. Writer/director Aaron Sorkin, best known for his work on the 2000s TV hit The West Wing, is back with another courtroom drama. Here he’s tackling arguably his most relevant and pressing issue in his career.
If you have no prior knowledge of the actual historical event being depicted, don’t worry, I didn’t either. Everything you need to know prior to the actual trial is covered in a riveting ten minute long sequence at the very beginning that will strap you in for the rest of the film, and once the sequence is over the rest of the film doesn’t slow down for a second. Which brings me to one of my biggest praises for the film, its pacing. If you’re making a courtroom drama, it's essential that things constantly move forward so that the audience doesn’t lose interest. The energy Sorkin brought in both his direction and his screenplay propelled the film forward with every scene. Of course he was aided by an all-star cast that each put forth stunning performances, some of which were career bests. It was difficult to choose a standout, but it had to be Sacha Baron Cohen in his portrayal of the Youth International Party’s co-founder, Abbie Hoffman. He’s hilarious as usual, but has shown that he can be just as fantastic in serious moments as well. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also knocked it out of the park in an uncomfortable and physically demanding performance of Bobby Seale, co-founder of the black panthers.
The film does a very good job of establishing stakes, and consequences. It truly feels like these men are being put up against every odd imaginable. Our characters never get a second of rest before the next obstacle reveals itself and we can see the toll it takes on them. Which is another major praise I have for the film, our characters are flawed. No one in that courtroom is perfect, and at times, you don’t even know if they’re innocent or guilty. The film treats it's audience like members of the jury while keeping you on its protagonist's side. The only criticism I might have is that, while the actual trial was a little theatrical, there are quite a few exaggerated and very Hollywood altercations.
You should be aware that upon watching the movie, you’re setting yourself up for a very provocative, and reflective viewing made in response to contemporary politics. Sorkin clearly wants his audience to make these connections, and he’s asking them, “has that much really changed?” Regardless of the film's social-political undertones, please give it a watch, and then maybe you can answer his question. It's relentless, funny, provocative, and fueled by some of the year's best performances.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 gets an A.
If you have no prior knowledge of the actual historical event being depicted, don’t worry, I didn’t either. Everything you need to know prior to the actual trial is covered in a riveting ten minute long sequence at the very beginning that will strap you in for the rest of the film, and once the sequence is over the rest of the film doesn’t slow down for a second. Which brings me to one of my biggest praises for the film, its pacing. If you’re making a courtroom drama, it's essential that things constantly move forward so that the audience doesn’t lose interest. The energy Sorkin brought in both his direction and his screenplay propelled the film forward with every scene. Of course he was aided by an all-star cast that each put forth stunning performances, some of which were career bests. It was difficult to choose a standout, but it had to be Sacha Baron Cohen in his portrayal of the Youth International Party’s co-founder, Abbie Hoffman. He’s hilarious as usual, but has shown that he can be just as fantastic in serious moments as well. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also knocked it out of the park in an uncomfortable and physically demanding performance of Bobby Seale, co-founder of the black panthers.
The film does a very good job of establishing stakes, and consequences. It truly feels like these men are being put up against every odd imaginable. Our characters never get a second of rest before the next obstacle reveals itself and we can see the toll it takes on them. Which is another major praise I have for the film, our characters are flawed. No one in that courtroom is perfect, and at times, you don’t even know if they’re innocent or guilty. The film treats it's audience like members of the jury while keeping you on its protagonist's side. The only criticism I might have is that, while the actual trial was a little theatrical, there are quite a few exaggerated and very Hollywood altercations.
You should be aware that upon watching the movie, you’re setting yourself up for a very provocative, and reflective viewing made in response to contemporary politics. Sorkin clearly wants his audience to make these connections, and he’s asking them, “has that much really changed?” Regardless of the film's social-political undertones, please give it a watch, and then maybe you can answer his question. It's relentless, funny, provocative, and fueled by some of the year's best performances.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 gets an A.