The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) is a courtroom drama written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp dialogue and politically charged storytelling. The film brings to life one of the most controversial and dramatic trials in American history, blending fact, emotion, and Sorkin’s trademark narrative rhythm.
Detailed Summary
Setting the Stage: The Vietnam War and Political Unrest
The movie opens in 1968, a time of immense turmoil in the United States. The Vietnam War has divided the nation, and protests are erupting across cities. After violent clashes between anti-war demonstrators and the police during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, seven men are charged with conspiracy and inciting riots.
The defendants come from various activist groups — from hippies to political organizers — creating both ideological and personal tensions. The film quickly sets up that this trial is not just about law and order; it’s about political expression, race, and the very definition of justice.
The Defendants and the Courtroom Circus
The seven accused are:
- Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) – leader of the Yippies, known for his humor and defiance
- Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong) – fellow Yippie and Abbie’s loyal ally
- Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) – serious, politically driven leader of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
- Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp) – Hayden’s level-headed companion
- David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch) – pacifist family man and organizer
- John Froines (Daniel Flaherty) and Lee Weiner (Noah Robbins) – minor figures drawn into the chaos
An eighth defendant, Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), co-founder of the Black Panther Party, was tried alongside them despite having no real connection to the other seven. This decision becomes a key flashpoint in the film.
Judge Hoffman and the Absurdity of the Trial
The presiding judge, Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella), is openly biased, dismissive, and borderline hostile toward the defendants and their lawyer, William Kunstler (Mark Rylance). His blatant prejudice turns the courtroom into a surreal battleground.
The tension escalates when Bobby Seale repeatedly demands the right to defend himself, as his lawyer is hospitalized. The judge denies his request, leading to a horrifying moment where Seale is bound and gagged in the courtroom. This moment of racial injustice is one of the film’s most shocking and powerful scenes.
The Heart of the Conflict: Protest or Conspiracy?
The trial isn’t just about what happened during the Chicago protests — it’s about the government’s attempt to silence dissent. The prosecution, led by Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), argues that the defendants planned violence. The defense insists that the police instigated the chaos.
As the film intercuts between the trial and flashbacks of the protest, we see the confusion and brutality of those days. Peaceful demonstrators clash with riot police, and the situation spirals out of control.
Character Arcs and Ideological Divides
A major emotional thread runs between Abbie Hoffman and Tom Hayden, two men with the same goal but different methods. Abbie believes in satire and spectacle; Hayden believes in serious political reform. Their arguments reflect the broader divide within the 1960s counterculture.
By the film’s end, both come to recognize the legitimacy of each other’s approach — Abbie’s humor and Hayden’s discipline both serve the same cause: justice and change.
Movie Ending
In the final moments of the trial, tension reaches its peak. After months of hearings and a circus-like atmosphere, Bobby Seale’s case is severed from the trial, leaving seven defendants.
The verdict: five of the Chicago 7 are found guilty of inciting a riot, though all are acquitted of conspiracy. The sentencing phase begins, and Judge Hoffman coldly prepares to impose punishment.
Then comes one of the film’s most moving and defiant scenes: Tom Hayden stands to make a final statement. Instead of appealing for leniency, he begins reading aloud the names of the 4,752 American soldiers who died in Vietnam during the trial. One by one, the names fill the courtroom, silencing everyone — even the prosecution.
The judge’s gavel pounds, but the reading continues, growing louder, joined by the other defendants. It’s a moment of catharsis and moral victory.
A closing title card informs the audience that the convictions were later overturned on appeal due to judicial bias, underscoring that the system’s integrity was, in the end, upheld — at least symbolically.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Trial of the Chicago 7 does not have a post-credits scene. The movie ends with the powerful act of defiance and the historical note, leaving the viewer in reflection rather than setting up any continuation.
Type of Movie
- Genre: Historical Drama / Courtroom Drama / Political Thriller
- Tone: Serious, intellectual, emotional, with occasional humor (mainly from Abbie Hoffman)
Cast
- Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman
- Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden
- Mark Rylance as William Kunstler
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale
- Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman
- Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin
- John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Daniel Pemberton, who blends solemn orchestral tones with subtle percussion to build intensity. The music is understated but powerful, emphasizing emotion rather than spectacle.
Filming Locations
The movie was shot primarily in Chicago, New Jersey, and Paterson, with courtroom scenes filmed at Paterson City Hall, which provided the vintage architecture needed for authenticity. These locations ground the film in the era’s realism, reflecting the weight of history rather than stylized dramatization.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards (Oscars) – Nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Sacha Baron Cohen), Best Film Editing, Best Original Song, Best Cinematography
- Golden Globes – Won Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
- BAFTA Awards – Nominated for Best Film and Best Supporting Actor
The movie received widespread acclaim for its screenplay, ensemble cast, and political relevance.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The project was originally developed by Steven Spielberg in the mid-2000s, with different actors considered before Sorkin took over as director.
- Aaron Sorkin studied the real court transcripts to make the dialogue historically accurate — though he added his signature dramatic flair.
- Sacha Baron Cohen spent time researching Abbie Hoffman’s mannerisms and political speeches.
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s gagging scene was emotionally intense; many cast members later said it was one of the hardest days on set.
- Some courtroom extras were real law students and activists.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on real events — The Chicago Seven Trial (1969–1970). It draws from actual trial transcripts, speeches, and news footage. Sorkin’s writing adds fictionalized exchanges for dramatic effect but remains faithful to the historical essence.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No official alternate endings exist, but some deleted dialogue and extended courtroom scenes appear in the Blu-ray extras. A longer version of Abbie Hoffman’s testimony was cut for pacing reasons.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While not based on a single book, the film’s story draws heavily from historical accounts, including Conspiracy in the Streets: The Extraordinary Trial of the Chicago Eight by Jon Wiener. Sorkin condensed the material, focusing more on emotional arcs than on legal minutiae.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Bobby Seale’s gagging scene — a horrifying moment of state repression.
- Abbie Hoffman’s stand-up-style testimony — humor meets protest.
- Tom Hayden’s fiery confrontation with Abbie backstage — idealism collides with rebellion.
- The emotional finale — reading the names of fallen soldiers.
Iconic Quotes
- Abbie Hoffman: “The institutions of our democracy are wonderful things, but right now they are populated by some terrible people.”
- Tom Hayden: “We’re not going to jail because of what we did. We’re going to jail because of who we are.”
- William Kunstler: “This is a political trial.”
- Richard Schultz: “History will judge us.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The real Abbie Hoffman once wore a judge’s robe to court — recreated exactly in the film.
- The title card uses the term “Chicago 7,” but early in the movie, characters still refer to them as “The Chicago 8,” referencing Bobby Seale’s initial inclusion.
- Sorkin cast Michael Keaton as former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, a cameo that serves as a quiet nod to government insiders who opposed the Nixon administration’s political prosecutions.
Trivia
- Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay in 2007 but couldn’t produce it until 2020.
- It was released on Netflix due to COVID-19, despite being planned for theaters.
- Barack Obama listed it among his favorite films of 2020.
- Sacha Baron Cohen’s Chicago accent took months of practice.
Why Watch?
Because it’s not just a courtroom movie — it’s a reflection on the price of dissent, the flaws of the legal system, and the power of speaking truth to authority. It’s gripping, emotional, and still shockingly relevant to today’s political climate.
Director’s Other Movies
- Molly’s Game (2017)
- Being the Ricardos (2021)
