Review of The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) by Theredsky — 22 Oct 2020

This feels like a Spielberg film with a really good script. I don’t mean that in a negative way, I mean that there is some Spielberg influence with an outstanding script. If you didn’t know, Steven Spielberg was originally supposed to direct this film but dropped out and Writer/Director Aaron Sorkin took over.

The writing and directing here are excellent. Sorkin knows how to keep your attention with simple scenes by having long monologues with unique camerawork and interesting framing. The performances here are great too especially Sacha Baren Cohen and Eddie Redmayne.

I would say this is probably a career best for Redmayne and one of my favorite Cohen performances but his performance in Borat still has this film beat. The story is engaging and interesting which is weird because a lot of this is court room drama but I was invested for 95% of the time.

The riot scenes are sprinkled throughout the film and those scenes are excellent. My issue with the film is its historical accuracy and certain dramatic moments. Like I said in the beginning, this feels like a Spielberg film and sometimes Spielberg tends to overdramatize events and there’s a little bit of that here and ties into historical accuracy.

They had to take some creative liberties here and there and I really wish they hadn’t because this is a fascinating court case that will be looked back on for years to come. If you’re a fan of Sorkin’s writing style or want a riveting drama, then definitely check this film out.