The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Director:

Aaron Sorkin

Writer:

Aaron Sorkin (screenplay)

Stars:

Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eddie Redmayne	...	Tom Hayden
Alex Sharp	...	Rennie Davis
Sacha Baron Cohen	...	Abbie Hoffman
Jeremy Strong	...	Jerry Rubin
John Carroll Lynch	...	David Dellinger
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II	...	Bobby Seale
Mark Rylance	...	William Kunstler
Joseph Gordon-Levitt	...	Richard Schultz
Ben Shenkman	...	Leonard Weinglass
J.C. MacKenzie	...	Thomas Foran
Frank Langella	...	Judge Julius Hoffman
Danny Flaherty	...	John Froines
Noah Robbins	...	Lee Weiner
John Doman	...	John Mitchell
Michael Keaton	...	Ramsey Clark

Storyline

In Chicago 1968, the Democratic Party Convention was met with protests from activists like the moderate Students for a Democratic Society led by Tom Hayden and the militant Yippies led by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, which led to violent confrontations with the local authorities. As a result, seven of the accused ringleaders are arraigned on charges like Conspiracy by the hostile Nixon administration, including Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers who was not involved in the incident. What follows is an unfair trial presided by the belligerent Judge Hoffman (No relation) and prosecuted by a reluctant but duty-bound Richard Schultz. As their pro bono lawyers face such odds, Hayden and his fellows are frustrated by the Yippies' outrageous antics undermining their defense in defiance of the system even while Seale is denied a chance to defend himself his way. Along the way, the Chicago 7 clash in their political philosophies even as they learn they need each other in this fight.

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Plot Keywords:

1960s | black panther party | chicago illinois | chicago 7 | activism | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, some violence, bloody images and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sacha Baron Cohen admitted he was "terrified" of having to do an American accent for the film. He had used a few different variations of the accent before for comedic reasons, but never for a dramatic role. He knew Abbie Hoffman had a unique voice, having a Massachusetts accent but also having gone to school in California, and was worried he would "sound wrong". Aaron Sorkin had to reassure him that the role was "not an impersonation, but an interpretation", which Baron Cohen claimed did not help much.

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Goofs

At the start of the trial, Bobby Seale claims that the eight defendants are called the "Chicago Seven". In reality, they were originally called the "Chicago Eight". The defendants became known as the Chicago Seven after Seale was severed from the case.

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Quotes

Richard Schultz: On top of everything, we're giving them what they want: a stage and an audience.

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Connections

Referenced in WatchMojo: Top 10 Best Movies and TV Shows Coming to Streaming in October 2020 (2020)

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Soundtracks

Eve of Destruction
Written by P.F. Sloan
Performed by Scott Hildebrand & Jay

User Reviews

Best Movie of 2020 so far!

Movie of the year so far, for me. The is no greater master of political debate and courtroom drama than scriptwriter-turned-auteur Aaron Sorkin. From A Few Good Men to the West Wing to the Newsroom, Sorkin's writing has captured the imagination and he absolutely knocks it out of the park with this one.

Based on the true story of 7 protesters arrested as part of the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations at the1968 Democratic Convention, Sorkin has given depth and intrigue to this chilling tale of governmental overreach and revenge politics.

While we have come to expect the captivating performances of Eddy Redmayne, it is Sacha Baron Cohen as the misunderstood hippie/protestor Abbie Hoffman who moves you the most.

Oscar-winner Mark Rylance is terrific as the beleaguered defence lawyer while Micheal Keaton oozes gravitas in a short guest role.

Must watch, especially if you are a Sorkin fan. Highly recommended

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA UK India

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 2020 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Filming Locations:

Patterson, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$104,048

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dreamworks Pictures, Amblin Partners, CAA Media Finance

Technical Specs

Runtime:

129 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1