Chicago 10 - B-

In 1969, 8 men who called themselves “yippies” – militant hippies (no, really) – stood trial for organizing demonstrations at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Led by Abbie Hoffman, the men were angry about the Vietnam War and Lyndon B. Johnson. They felt the problem was American and capitalism itself and wanted to create a society where something like the Vietnam War wasn’t even possible. With that kind of isolationism and naiveté, who needs enemies? Click below for the rest.

Writer-director Brett Morgen is clearly on the side of the yippies, frequently giving them a laughing audience for their comments. He also makes those that oppose them (the judge, the cops, Mayor Daley) absurd caricatures. The film is considered a documentary and provides excellent footage of the 1968 events. The crowd getting gassed while retreating across a bridge is particularly startling. The courtroom scenes are interspersed throughout the film and are animated since only court transcripts are available. Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, and Mark Ruffalo provide voices for the animated characters, but are not really recognizable given all the events and politics occurring on screen.

The film is intriguing if frustrating at times. While the yippies/defendants have interesting ideas and thoughts that should be heard, they don’t come across as exactly authentic. I found them as self-promoting opportunists who relish the favorable spotlight the mainstream media gives them. But calling cops and elected officials “fascists” when they are only trying to keep the peace and protect their citizens won’t get you much crossover appeal. The DVD was released to coincide with the Democrat National Convention, but the times couldn’t be more different. B-

By the way, the 2 lawyers were added to the 8 to get the title. Here’s a representative scene:

For the record, My B- and C+ grades are meant to indicate that the film is worth watching if one is so inclined. B and B+ are worth watching. A- and above are required viewing. And C and below should be avoided.