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The Trial of the Chicago 7 Movie Review

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 historical courtroom drama film directed by Aaron Sorkin and starring the ensemble cast composed of Sasha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Frank Langella, Eddie Redmayne and Mark Rylance etc. It’s a very strong political drama.

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“I don’t like how people will look at us fifty years from now“

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It follows the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The fact that this seemingly very important event is very little known even in the US itself is problematic and it just goes to show how everywhere around the world education is terrible.

I agree with many critics out there pinpointing this film’s immense relevance when it comes to its subject matter. So, let’s discuss. Following the racial protests and riots that happened in the US in 2020, this film coming out this year seems to be just perfect timing overall. The movie honestly pleasantly surprised me as it was much more measured and centrist in its approach without ever taking sides.

It showcases the genuine monkey trial that was the titular trial. The judge himself was simply put incompetent and clearly biased. However, the movie also criticizes the radicalism of some protesters and how even the most liberal of protests can turn violent when agitated. Thus, a clear parallel can be drawn with today’s tumultuous period in the United States. Apparently, America never changed, which is a very sad realization.

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When it comes to the acting, it’s a genuine showcase for everyone involved. Sorkin here has assembled such a terrific ensemble cast as all were not only superbly cast, but they each delivered strong work. Sasha Baron Cohen surprised me the most. He had trouble with his accent of course as he himself would admit that, but apart from that, his performance is so great. He is very believable in the role that is both dramatic and comedic, emphasizing his talents at both.

Eddie Redmayne is also excellent. This is one of his best roles in quite a while and the character really works. The twist revelation that he himself was also a violent protest proponent was powerful and the conflict between these two men was very well realized. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is quite a bit subdued in his role, but he is grounded in reality and believable. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is memorable in a very moving role and Mark Rylance is particularly fantastic as William Kunstler. His every line of dialogue is very powerful and his delivery is superb. With that being said, Frank Langella is clearly the highlight. He plays the horrendous, incompetent Judge Julius Hoffman with such confidence and believability that he steals the show from everyone else.

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With all of that being said, The Trial of the Chicago 7 has its obvious problems. It is great as a political story, but as a movie overall it is far from great. Aaron Sorkin did a good job on ‘Molly’s Game’, but here that could not be said. His direction is pedestrian and very uninteresting. He never elevated this movie in any shape or form, the film lacks in cinematic achievements and it seems very cheap. I also disliked that overly cheesy, triumphant ending. But other than those technical issues, the film is very strong.