The Movie that Shook the World
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a historical drama film that tells the story of seven anti-war activists who were put on trial for inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The movie, directed by Aaron Sorkin, features an ensemble cast of talented actors who bring the story to life.
The Cast of Characters
The cast of The Trial of the Chicago 7 includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Here’s a look at the stars of the movie and the characters they play:
Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden
Eddie Redmayne plays Tom Hayden, one of the leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and one of the defendants in the trial.
Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman
Sacha Baron Cohen plays Abbie Hoffman, the co-founder of the Youth International Party (Yippies) and one of the most charismatic members of the Chicago 7.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party and the eighth defendant in the trial.
Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin
Jeremy Strong plays Jerry Rubin, another member of the Yippies who was known for his outrageous stunts and protests.
Mark Rylance as William Kunstler
Mark Rylance plays William Kunstler, the defense attorney who represented the Chicago 7 in court.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Richard Schultz, the prosecutor who tried to convict the Chicago 7.
Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman
Frank Langella plays Judge Julius Hoffman, the controversial judge who presided over the trial.
The Making of the Movie
The Trial of the Chicago 7 was a passion project for Aaron Sorkin, who wrote and directed the film. Sorkin spent years researching the trial and interviewing the people involved to create an accurate portrayal of the events. The movie was filmed in 2019 and premiered on Netflix in 2020. It received critical acclaim and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The Impact of the Movie
The Trial of the Chicago 7 has had a significant impact on the public’s perception of the trial and the people involved. The movie has sparked renewed interest in the anti-war movement of the 1960s and has raised awareness of the injustices that occurred during the trial. Many of the cast members have also spoken out about the relevance of the movie to current events. Sacha Baron Cohen, in particular, has been a vocal advocate for democracy and free speech, both in his role as Abbie Hoffman and in his personal life.
Conclusion
The Trial of the Chicago 7 cast brought the story of the trial to life in a powerful and emotional way. The movie has had a lasting impact on audiences and has reminded us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
