Of all the films I’ve seen thus far, I must say that Netflix is really cashing in with all the original that have come out this year.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is another film written and directed by the talented Aaron Sorkin. The IMDB plot synopsis is as follows: “The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.” When I heard about this film, I was curious as to what it would be about, but I was more so interested in what Sorkin would do as a director once again. I saw Molly’s Game, and while I admit it was written well, I wasn’t too big a fan of that film altogether.
Sorkin’s newest feature basks in a very talented ensemble cast with names such as Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baren Cohen, Jeremy Strong, John Carroll Lynch, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The performances across the board are well up to par, my favorites being Cohen, Strong, and Abdul-Mateen II. Sorkin once again establishes himself as a very skilled writer with this screenplay and with the help of some very well executed editing, it makes for a very engaging watch. You can barely feel the 2 hour runtime.
In terms of the subject matter, the validity of the film might be questionable, and it will certainly prompt viewers, at least in my case, to investigate what is accurate or not. With that being said, with everything going on in the world, now that be the perfect time to come out with something like this. It is a little staggering how relatable this is to our current social climate, but it’s the right time to release it. The film does adequately well with staying focused, however I wished it gave more attention to certain issues that were sort of glossed over. I believe that would’ve given this film more of an emotional punch.
I was feeling disconnected from the character’s on screen, and that is unfortunately due to the script. It’s a good script, but it is a bit pretentious, especially for Sorkin’s standards. One might even say he’s being self-indulgent to a certain extent. To be transparent, I don’t think Sorkin will ever top his work in The Social Network, many films have come close, but this one isn’t it. When you compare this to his last directorial debut, it doesn’t seem like he’s breaking any new ground. I fear that his style as a director and maybe writer will become repetitive.
Also, dare I say it, I would consider this film guilty of being oscar-bait. This flaw may explain why I wasn’t too connected with the characters.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a very engaging film, bolstered by a impressive cast. It’s quick paced editing and dialogue will absorb you as a viewer. However the result is not as impactful as one would hope, and not Sorkin’s best work.
Cedric Cinema 