The Trial of the Chicago 7
2020 · Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Original language: English
- drama
- history
The story
What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police. What followed was one of the most notorious trials in history.
What it’s like
Warm, tungsten-lit courtrooms and cramped hotel rooms give way to the grainy, bruised look of 1968 street footage, with the film cutting back and forth between the two. Aaron Sorkin's direction is kinetic but controlled: fast, overlapping dialogue delivered in tight two-shots and sweeping dolly moves through the courthouse corridors, plus flashbacks shot with handheld jitter and smoke-hazed streets. The score is restrained, mostly percussive pulses under the arguments, and the period soundtrack surfaces in protest footage. The mood is sharp, indignant and at times darkly funny, the energy of a fast-talking ensemble piece about a rigged proceeding. Violence is present but mostly in archival-style flashbacks: scuffles, tear gas, a clubbing by police, brief and harsh rather than gory; there is some profanity and an emotional outburst or two. Pacing is brisk and talky, with arcs built around loyalty, anger and grudging alliance among men who barely agree. It suits an evening with a strong appetite for courtroom drama and political history, for viewers who want a loud, articulate film about dissent and the cost of a fair trial.
More films like The Trial of the Chicago 7
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved The Trial of the Chicago 7and we’ll explain which ones fit you.
