The Trail of the Chicago 7

Right off the bat, I have to admit something. I’m a huge Aaron Sorkin fan. From his TV work on The West Wing, The Newsroom and Studio Sixty, to his films, The Social Network, Moneyball and Steve Jobs. His writing has rhythm, intelligence and depth. All characteristics that have become his trademark – and The Trial of the Chicago 7 follows suit.

Written and directed by the Sorkin, the film follows the trial of 8 people who are all facing various charges following the riots around the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which largely protested against the Vietnam War. The film moves between the ongoing trial and looking back at the pivotal moments that brought them all together. Given my love of his work, I know that Sorkin would have heavily researched these events. Making this film that much more rich, enthralling, profound and enraging.

The film tackles themes of racism, corruption and stereotyping that transcends the late 60’s and are still sadly relevant today. The trial is led by a wildly incompetent racist judge who is bent on making an example of each of the 8. The 8th person being Bobby Seale, played by  Yahya Abdul–Mateen, who’s treated inhumanly and who more than anyone is there to be made an example of.

The story’s momentum is built on the injustice and predetermined mind of the judge to find them all guilty as he bends the law to his will. So that as our frustration and the blatant illegalities of the case mounts so does our empathy and anger for the characters and the communities they represent.

Sorkin’s careful writing and direction allows each character’s voice to be heard without overshadowing one another. To me, Yahya Abdul–Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong deliver the most powerful performances and the most memorable lines – bringing a fresh perspective to courtroom dramas. Not an easy feat given the hundreds of courtroom dramas we’ve all probably seen.

On the subject of Sacha Baron Cohen, I admit that he’s a bit of an enigma to me. He’s obviously best known for any of the characters he’s created. Borat, Bruno, Ali G. All of whom I’ve never understood, but that might just be me. My gut feeling is the world has moved on/needs to move on from these characters born from stereotypes. When Cohen’s playing these more serious roles, he’s unbelievably good in them. Intelligent, funny and quick-witted.

This brings me to my final point. What I’ve described sounds like a really intense story, which it is, but it’s also one punctuated with incredibly rich and well-timed humour. Perhaps the contrast of the darker subject material enables the humour to really stand out. With Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong (who is such a diverse character actor) bringing a lightness that never undermines the purpose of the film, instead, giving it greater depth.

I leave you with two of my favourite lines from the film.

Judge Julius Hoffman: I’m tired of hearing that.

Bobby Seale: I couldn’t care less what you’re tired of.

Judge Julius Hoffman: What did you say?

Bobby Seale: I said it would be impossible for me to care any less what you are tired of. And I demand to cross-examine the witness.

Richard Schultz: When you came to Chicago, were you hoping for a confrontation with the police?

[pause]

Richard Schultz: I’m concerned you have to think about it.

Abbie Hoffman: Give me a moment, would you, friend? I’ve never been on trial for my thoughts before.

OVERALL – 5/5

The film is out now on Netflix – something for you to get stuck into over the weekend, I think I’ll watch it again.