‘The Trial of Chicago 7’ Delivers An Effective Message For A Divided Country
By Kevin Conley II, Staff Writer
The Trial of Chicago 7 is a Netflix original film released on October 16th, 2020. The film is about the story of seven people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The film questions whether Democratic Political Groups started the riots involving the attempt to stop the Vietnam War, or the Boston Police Department.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 was originally slated to debut in theaters from distributer Paramount Pictures. With the COVID-19 pandemic making it harder for moviegoers to experience films on the big screen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 now finds itself with streaming service Netflix, hoping to make its mark to millions of subscribers.
The film introduces a refreshing, energetic, and welcoming first act by bringing a long-awaited star struck past return on screen like Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Mark Rylance, and Michael Keaton, along with familiar actors and with the introduction of new talent such as Alex Sharp and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (known for Aquaman and the upcoming Candyman).
The film offers what most fans for film have always wanted; a fresh adapted story with an energetic setting and refreshing story for audience. Aaron Sorkin, the mind behind The West Wing, The Social Network, A Few Good Men, The Newsroom and other works, makes his triumphant directorial return, bringing a heart and humor to the film.
Sorkin is often known for his sharp, quick witted scripts that attempt to captures compelling real world people and events. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is no exception, Sorkin delivers a fierce and effective message with punchy dialogue to go with it.
Sorkin’s talent shines throughout the film, as Sorkin’s screenwriting abilities are on full display. Sorkin’s sophisticated style is further elevated by the film’s excellent editing. Borat’s Sacha Baron Cohen charms in the good-humored, yet powerful role of Abbie Hoffman, a prominent hippie and staunch critic of the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. Cohen’s performance could be recognized at next year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
The Trial of the Chicago 7’s gripping and thought provoking story is likely to satisfy any fans of political drama. Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne and Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives compelling performances that are sure to satisfy any fans of Sorkin’s work.
The Trial of Chicago 7 is a fully investing, politically powerful, and completely entertaining film that proves once again that Netflix is just as capable as any movie company of releasing compelling and poignant film. Sorkin’s political thriller shines bright, in a year devoid of any massive film releases and proves just as relevant considering the current state of protests in America.
9/10.