Movie Breakdown: The Trial Of The Chicago 7

Pre-Screening Stance:

The Trial Of The Chicago 7 looks like an Oscar-contender through and through. It’s got a huge cast of known faces, a super-relevant subject, and it’s written/directed by Aaron Sorkin. Sign me all the way up.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I’m happy to report that The Trial Of The Chicago 7 is what I thought it would be – a powerhouse courtroom drama. The cast is spectacular from front to back. Sascha Baron Cohen turns in a best supporting actor-worthy performance as the very quick-witted Abbie Hoffman. Eddie Redmayne, who is occasionally way too much for me, plays the straight as an arrow Tom Hayden with a measured amount of fervor. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is a force as Bobby Seale. Mark Rylance is … well, he’s pretty much just Mark Rylance, but he’s very lovable. I could go on here, but instead I’ll jump to the main reason for so many standout performances – Aaron Sorkin. His direction, his dialogue, it’s all incredibly snappy throughout The Trial Of The Chicago 7. This movie hums, and because of that, it wraps up you up right from the start and never lets go. I don’t think there was a single second where I wasn’t enthralled.

I suspect that The Trial Of The Chicago 7 will get a lot of attention whenever awards season rolls around, and it should. Not only is it a great film, but when you consider the fact that the streets these days are full of protestors, it’s also something that feels culturally important.

One Last Thought:

Sascha Baron Cohen is probably one of those people that’s best left unchecked and allowed to do whatever the hell he wants, but he’s so fantastic in this that it left me wishing he’d take on more straight/regular/normal roles. The guy can act.

One More Last Thought:

It’s nice to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in movies again. It’s even nicer to see him in something that’s worth his time (sorry not sorry to 7500 and Project Power).