Netflix has released first look images of its latest film drama, The Trial of the Chicago 7, as well as given the film a release date. The film was led by Aaron Sorkin, who recently made his directorial debut with the 2017 film Molly's Game. Sorkin is known as one of the greatest writers in Hollywood, earning critical success on the big screen with his Oscar-winning screenplay of The Social Network, as well as Steve Jobs and A Few Good Men. Sorkin's writing also made waves on television with the dramas The West Wing and The Newsroom. His next effort sees him not only as a writer again but also as a director after some encouragement from Steven Spielberg.
Netflix just recently acquired the global rights to The Trial of the Chicago 7. The movie initially belonged to Paramount Pictures and was set for a release in theaters. But after the coronavirus pandemic forced movie theaters to shut down nationwide, it was clear that a theatrical release was not possible. After some negotiations, the streaming platform was able to gain all the rights to the political crime drama, ensuring a Fall 2020 premiere.
The first images of The Trial of the Chicago 7 were just released by Netflix through Vanity Fair, showcasing the film's star-studded cast. The cast includes Eddie Redmayne and an almost unrecognizable Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong, who both sport wild 60's hair. Frank Langella, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Michael Keaton also star in the film. The images show the movie's characters in the midst of a violent protest and during the big trial that most of the story revolves around. The Trial of the Chicago 7 will be released on October 16, 2020.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 takes place during the 1968 Democratic Convention, when seven political activists were arrested and later charged with conspiracy to incite a riot after police violently tried to break up an anti-Vietnam War protest, using batons and tear gas against the protesters. The film's release is certainly timely. With the ongoing protests against police brutality today, it will be interesting to see how much things have changed (or haven't changed) in America. One aspect of the film that's sure to be polarizing is the featuring of Black Panther Bobby Seale's trial. Seale was arrested along with the Chicago 7 but had a separate trial from them. There are sure to be parallels between his story and the story of protesters today.
Sorkin's film is already receiving buzz, thanks partly to its amazing cast. Eddie Redmayne has certainly made a name for himself in the past few years, especially after winning an Oscar for his role of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Redmayne's costar Michael Keaton has been one of the busiest actors of the decade, starring in two Best Picture Oscar winners while planning to reprise his role as Batman in the upcoming The Flash movie. And Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is no stranger to working with heavy political messaging, just coming off the critical acclaimed HBO series, Watchmen. With its own fair share of political messaging, and just before the 2020 Presidential Election, The Trial of the Chicago 7 has a good chance of succeeding with fans, critics, and at the box office.
Source: Vanity Fair