The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
The universe is a funny thing. I was in the mood for A Few Good Men (the film, not company) but in an effort to watch something new I chose this. I had no prior knowledge about it other than a friend’s recommendation.
There are no opening credits, instead we are introduced to the titular Chicago seven in factions; the hippies, the student politicos, the Black Panthers. The pace, momentum-building score and sharp dialogue can only lead you to one conclusion. This has Aaron Sorkin written all over it! Imagine my smug delight when I discover it’s not only written by the master wordsmith but directed by him too. Sorkin of previous favourites Steve Jobs, The Social Network and of course A Few Good Men. Ask and you shall receive.
Shockingly relevant after the year we’ve had this film tells the true story, from 1968, of an intended peaceful protest gone awry as we follow the trial of the so-called ringleaders. I say “so-called” as one of the accused, Bobby Searle of the Black Panthers, wasn’t at the protest. Which should give an insight into the lunacy at play.
Navigated with care and proficiency we are always in good hands with the relaxed Mark Rylance in Defense. Opposing is the equally calm and reluctantly ageing Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Eddie Redmayne channels his inner Mark Ruffalo and finally finds some fire (though not a lip balm) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II rounds off a smashing year after HBO’s Watchmen as the baffled and furious scapegoat. His scenes with Frank Langella’s infuriatingly biased judge are surrounded by a courtroom full of people yet it feels like they are the only two people on the screen. It turns your stomach in knots but their chemistry is dynamite.
I’m often irritated by the overused cliché of a witness crumbling on the stand under some clever wordplay. Thankfully there’s not a wimp amongst this bunch. Each character delivers their testimony with the self-assuredness of a swan. Sacha Baron Cohen is an endearing handsome hoot throughout and on the stand proves you can take your time to breathe and smile.
This history lesson flies by cutting through potentially complicated red tape thanks to a charming and affable cast with engaging performances, a humorous screenplay and Sorkin’s trademark eloquence.
9 Razor-sharp Thumbs Up!
