The Trial of the Chicago 7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 historical drama film directed by Aaron Sorkin, based on the true story of a group of anti-war activists who were charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film takes a deep dive into the events leading up to the infamous trial and explores the complexities of the court case, which became a pivotal moment in American history. In August 1968, the city of Chicago was bracing itself for the Democratic National Convention, a highly anticipated gathering of the party's delegates and supporters. The event was expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people, and local authorities were determined to maintain order. However, a coalition of anti-war and social justice groups, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, and the Youth International Party (Yippees), had planned a peaceful protest against the war in Vietnam and the policies of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The protest, dubbed "A Gathering of the Tribes," aimed to bring together activists from various backgrounds and movements to raise awareness about the Vietnam War and promote social change. However, things took a dark turn on the evening of August 28, 1968, as clashes between protesters and police escalated. The events of that night would become infamous as the "Democratic National Convention riots." As the protests turned violent, law enforcement cracked down on the demonstrators, using force to disperse the crowds. Amidst the chaos, several activists were arrested and charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot. The charges were levied under the Federal Criminal Code, which made it a crime to conspire to commit a riot. One of the key figures in the trial was Tom Hayden, a prominent anti-war activist and leader of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Hayden, played by Seth Rogen, was joined by a diverse group of activists, including Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), and Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp). The group, which later became known as the "Chicago Seven," was rounded out by John Froines (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Lee Weiner (Pete Yorn), and Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). The trial, led by prosecutors Thomas Foran (Michael Keaton) and Edward Hanrahan (Danny Flaherty), was marked by controversy and drama. Seale, a key member of the Black Panther Party, was singled out for special attention by the prosecution, who sought to exploit his presence in the group to paint him as the face of the conspiracy. Seale's outspoken defense and impassioned speeches in court only fueled tensions, and he eventually had a breakdown during the proceedings. Throughout the trial, Sorkin's script masterfully captures the personalities and perspectives of the defendants, while also conveying the gravity of the charges and the implications of the case. As the trial unfolds, Sorkin skillfully weaves together the backstories of the defendants, shedding light on their motivations and the historical context of the times. One of the standout features of The Trial of the Chicago 7 is its ensemble cast, which brings to life the complex, fascinating, and flawed individuals who made up the Chicago Seven. Sacha Baron Cohen shines as the outrageous and charismatic Abbie Hoffman, while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is electrifying as Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party leader. The film's script is equally impressive, capturing the wit, satire, and biting social commentary that defined the countercultural movement. In the end, the trial concluded with an acquittal for five of the seven defendants, but a guilty verdict for three of the group members – David Dellinger, Rennie Davis, and John Froines – on lesser charges. The trial's outcome did little to calm the country's social unrest, which continued to simmer beneath the surface of American society. Instead, the trial marked a decisive moment in the radicalization of the American Left, galvanizing anti-war efforts and sparking renewed activism in the face of an increasingly divided and entrenched establishment. Despite its focus on one pivotal moment in American history, The Trial of the Chicago 7 feels remarkably timely, speaking to ongoing issues of social justice, politics, and free speech that continue to define our national conversation. As the film so astutely demonstrates, the trials and tribulations of the past continue to inform and shape our present, offering a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit and the power of collective action can spark the seeds of change and propel us toward a more just and equitable future.