The Trial of the Chicago 7

About The Trial of the Chicago 7

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The film is based on the infamous trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy and incitement to riot following the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The trial became a highly politicized event highlighting the clash between the counterculture youth and the government during the Vietnam War.

The movie portrays the trial and the events leading up to it, examining the defendants' beliefs and actions, as well as the courtroom drama and the broader societal implications of the case.

Making / Production

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp and intelligent dialogue. Sorkin extensively researched the trial and conducted interviews with the real-life individuals involved to ensure accuracy in his portrayal of the events.

The film was produced by Marc Platt, Stuart M. Besser, and Tyler Thompson. It was produced by production companies Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures.

Actors

• Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden: Redmayne delivers a powerful performance as the prominent activist and defendant who becomes a leading voice in the courtroom.
• Alex Sharp as Rennie Davis: Sharp portrays the passionate and idealistic activist who is also one of the defendants.
• Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman: Cohen brings humor and charisma to the role of the charismatic activist and defendant.
• Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin: Strong captures the rebellious spirit of Rubin, another defendant and influential activist.
• John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger: Lynch plays the pacifist and defendant who struggles with the violent actions of some protesters.
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale: Abdul-Mateen II portrays the Black Panther Party co-founder and defendant, who faces significant prejudice and mistreatment during the trial.
• Mark Rylance as William Kunstler: Rylance gives a compelling performance as the defense attorney who represents several of the defendants.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Trial of the Chicago 7 was originally planned as a Steven Spielberg project with a different cast, but the film went through various developments before Aaron Sorkin took over as writer and director.
• The ensemble cast received critical acclaim for their performances, particularly Sacha Baron Cohen, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Abbie Hoffman.
• The film's release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a limited theatrical release and a subsequent release on the streaming platform Netflix.

Awards

The Trial of the Chicago 7 has received several awards and nominations, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Sacha Baron Cohen). The film has also received nominations from various critics' associations and industry guilds.

Quotes

• "The whole world is watching!" - Abbie Hoffman
• "When you came in here and you said 'system,' what did you mean? Or were you not prepared to commit to something that could have been an incredibly smart but risky move for a guy who has eight months to serve?" - William Kunstler
• "Give me a moment, would you, friend? I've never been on trial for my thoughts before." - Tom Hayden

Music

The Trial of the Chicago 7 features an original score by Daniel Pemberton. The music enhances the tension and emotions of the courtroom scenes and the film's overall atmosphere.

Soundtrack

• "Hey, Joe" by The Leaves
• "I'm Going Home" by Ten Years After
• "Search and Destroy" by Iggy and The Stooges
• "Time Has Come Today" by The Chambers Brothers
• "Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash