You are here:

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Name: The Trial of the Chicago 7
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Released: 2020
Duration: 130 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2020

Director

Aaron Sorkin

Runtime

130 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Aaron Sorkin’s drama is a powerful exploration of systemic critique, focusing on the intersection of race and political dissent. By highlighting the legal targeting of Black activists like Bobby Seale, the film effectively challenges the perceived stability of Western legal traditions. However, the film remains anchored in a traditional social hierarchy, focusing on male protagonists and legal maneuvering, which limits the representation of diverse gendered roles and queer perspectives. The social landscape feels somewhat narrow as a result. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its anti-establishment stance, effectively deconstructing institutional power, even if it does so primarily through a predominantly male lens.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Trial of the Chicago 7 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film primarily focuses on the political and legal strategies of a male-dominated movement, lacking prominent LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Trial of the Chicago 7 portray gender?

Limited

The narrative follows a traditional, male-centric structure where women play supporting roles rather than being central to driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Trial of the Chicago 7?

Excellent

The film effectively showcases racial tensions and systemic inequities. Including Bobby Seale highlights how judicial systems can be used against underrepresented groups.

How does The Trial of the Chicago 7 represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story offers a strong critique of Western institutions, portraying the judicial system and law enforcement as tools of state suppression rather than neutral arbiters.

Does The Trial of the Chicago 7 include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that significantly influence the narrative or serve as central character arcs.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced depiction of racial complexities and systemic inequities during the 1960s.
Offers a profound, anti-establishment critique of the military-industrial complex and state authority.
Uses character depth to highlight how the law can be weaponized against underrepresented groups.

Limited or Absent

Lacks prominent LGBTQ+ representation or narratives challenging the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
Relies on a male-centric hierarchy where women occupy mostly peripheral roles.
Focuses limited attention on diverse identities outside the primary political and racial conflict.

Official Synopsis

What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police. What followed was one of the most notorious trials in history.

How are these scores produced? →