A timely essential
Aaron Sorkin’s second directorial outing couldn’t have come out at a better time. The Trial of The Chicago 7 is a courtroom drama, stylistically depicting the events of 80 years in the past, but still manages to remain as relevant as ever. It not only motivates one to rise against the man; but also to rise against the conventional tropes of storytelling. Thick with awe-inspiring performances from an all-star cast, the film is not pulling any punches
How's The Story?
The film begins with an introduction of all the 8 key players and their preparations for the protest at the Democratic Convention being held in Chicago, unaware of the fact that it will turn into an ugly riot. The film then quickly jumps into the courtroom proceedings, as our suspects are challenged by a judge, who doesn’t look favourably to their kind. Now it is them and their lawyer’s job against the US states judiciary, fighting for justice during the unjust time of the Vietnam war.
The breakneck pace with which the film begins, getting together our gang of eight characters in an almost purposefully chaotic manner. The director obviously wants us to experience the sheer suddenness and unpredictability of the incident. But things slow down once the courtroom proceedings begin, allowing us the option to breathe and take in the information.
And when their freedom of speech is brought into question, with the whole world watching, these characters make an impactful statement. It is a very realistic and cynical view on the America of the ’60s with rampant racism and sexism in the air, the liberals of that time were looked down upon and were outcasted by the institutions. In the first scene itself, the attorney general employs his best man, Schulz to find a loophole in the legal system so that they can set an example of our titular group of 8 undesirables. Yes 8, not 7. During the actual trial, Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul‑Mateen II) a young Blackman and the leader of the black panther outfit was also under question. But unlike the other 7, Bobby did not have any legal counsel and yet, the court continued to hold the trials.
This among other gross abuse of power and display of bigotry is one of the main reasons why this film is so hard-hitting. A certain scene in the courtroom is truly unnerving and disturbing to no end. I genuinely had to look away from what I was witnessing only to find out that it was way worse in real life.
The director of this film has previously written screenplays for films like The Social Network, Steve Jobs and A Few Good Men among others
How Are The Performances?
The characters are all distinct, colourful and portrayed in the most delightful way possible. Whether it is the witty banter of the yuppie leaders, Abbie and Jerry (Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong), disregarding all semblance of courtroom decorum and giving the regressive system their finger. The unlikely disciplinarian Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), the leader of the youth wing of the democratic party, trying his best to keep a band of free-spirited hippies in line. Or it is the derelict judge Hoffman (Frank Langella), teetering on the uneasy edge of incompetency and ill will.
Richard Schultz, the prosecuting lawyer is effortlessly played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Despite being the theoretical antagonist, Schultz comes off as righteous with this trial putting him in harm’s way between his morality and his responsibility. The conflict within him gets aggravated as the trial goes on and the subtlety with which JGL manages to bring that out is nothing short of commendable.
Perhaps the most oscar worthy performance out of the bunch was Mark Rylance as the defence lawyer, William Kunstler who is exasperated at the broken system. He delivers Sorkin’s well-articulated and timely dialogue in a way that it seems the words are being thought of before being spoken. It is not something one can describe in words, it can only be witnessed and understood.
Needless to say that this was a cast of all powerhouse actors. Even Michael Keaton makes a special appearance! However, to reign in this multitude of talent, you need an equally capable director. That is what we thankfully got in Aaron Sorkin.
How Is The Direction?
Though this is only his second outing as a director, Sorkin proves why he is a master behind the camera whether he is penning the story or directing it. Despite the varying pace in the scenes I never felt as if I had to exert myself for it all make sense, it just did. All I had to do was allow the master to do what he does best and take me on a journey with his dialogue and storytelling.
What about Editing and Cinematography?
The editing is a whole character in itself, carrying weight and tension in the slow as well as the fast-paced scenes. Some of the most engaging moments are the ones where past incidents are bein recounted aided by flashbacks. What makes these scenes so special is crisp editing, cutting between present day and the past in an almost rhythmic fashion, building the suspense with each beat. The camera demands your attention and takes your focus to where the filmmaker wants it to be. Despite its serious nature, the film is not slow-paced at all the; plot keeps moving but it doesn’t seem run past the viewer. It somehow manages to ensure that we are not getting overwhelmed by the barrage of information being thrown at us by supplementing high tension moments, with the lull of a round table conversation.
Final Thoughts
Watching this film hauntingly reminded me of another occasion where defiant voices were forcibly silenced, on a national display. I am of course talking about the Anti-CAA protests, where thousands of people were protesting the act (which is now a bill) and the government made every effort to silence them. Even going as far as entering college campuses and beating up students inside their library. It is a matter of great shame that how intolerant we are as humans back then hasn’t changed much in 70 years.
The trial of the Chicago 7 is a perfect example of art imitating life. It motivates one to stand by their beliefs, no matter how dire the circumstance and resist oppression in the name of democracy, the greatest institution of all.
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