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'The Trial Of The Chicago Seven' Review With Casey

Courtesy of "The Trial of the Chicago 7" movie

You know a film has done its job when a story about the past inspires how you speak in the present. The Trail of the Chicago 7 is a biographical courtroom drama based on the 1969 trial of 7 men who were charged with conspiracy and inciting riots while protesting the Vietnam War at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The mainstream government establishment clashes with provocative leaders of counter-culture and free speech (including members of The Black Panther Party and Students for a Democratic Society). 

The story is so complex with so many different people and so many different points of view that the real star of this film is the efficient and topical screenplay. So many great lines about politics, the justice system, and patriotism could have been a slippery slope into a disorganized mess. But thankfully, The Trial of the Chicago 7 remains focused throughout on the operations of an unfair trial and its effects on the lives of the men involved. The sharp and nimble dialogue felt like a riveting volleyball game with isolated lines bouncing seamlessly from one actor to the next. Writer director Aaron Sorkin (Molly's Game, 2017 and Steve Jobs, 2015) will definitely be getting some awards nominations in the next few months.

 

This film may take place in the 1960s, but it's very much about current issues of today. Specifically, about the responsibility of language and its effect on a collective mood or group of people. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is the first Oscar bait film I've seen this year that will easily be recognized during award season. Anyone who values free speech will be riveted by this film.

Casey T. Allen is a native of Utah who graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in English in 2007. He has worked in many capacities throughout USU campus and enjoys his time at UPR to continually exercise his writing.