A
detailed dramatization of incendiary
events leading to the infamous Democratic Convention of 1968 and its aftermath,
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a
compelling film with a stellar ensemble led by writer/director Aaron Sorkin
(The Social Network).
In the summer of 1968, the country is mired in an escalating Vietnam War with mounting casualties, and with the shocking assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, a Presidential election looms. Disparate groups led by, among others, Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Bobby Seale, Jerry Rubin, and Abbie Hoffman (a standout Sacha Baron Cohen), plan to descend on Chicago to oppose the war on the ‘eve’ of the Democratic National Convention. However, Mayor Daley amasses heavily armed police, and the stage is set for an explosive confrontation and ensuing trial that captures the nation’s attention.
Sorkin’s excellent screenplay, which has the challenging task of depicting an array of different personalities with similar yet self-serving agendas, has its moments of wit and drama as it raises questions of free speech, racism, and a nation undergoing a seismic change. Despite cursory sketches of each participant, what is revealing is how the film portrays them as intent on non-violent protests yet branded as radical revolutionaries by law enforcement who employ questionable tactics. The lengthy trial is shown to be an imperfect judicial proceeding filled with bias, missteps, and outright political maneuvering. With parallels to current headlines, this is the sort of film Oliver Stone could have made.
To
distill the notorious events into a feature film (rather than a miniseries) is
an impressive feat especially with its large, talented cast (also including Joseph
Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, and Frank Langella). It’s a fascinating chronicle
and one of the year’s best films.
**** of
**** stars (on Netflix)
No comments:
Post a Comment