At the Movies: The Trial of the Chicago 7, American Utopia, Clouds

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Aaron Sorkin writes and directs this legal drama based on actual events following the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots at the 1968 Democrat National Convention in Chicago. The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Daniel Flaherty, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella, John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Noah Robbins, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, and Jeremy Strong.

Cohen is receiving major Oscar buzz for his performance.

Sorkin originally wrote the script for Steven Spielberg, who planned to direct, back in 2007. The writers strike forced development on the project to end, putting the entire film in limbo. Eventually, after Spielberg dropped out, Sorkin announced in 2018 that he would direct the project. That same month, most of the cast joined.

The film was shot in and around Chicago and New Jersey throughout 2019. Paramount Pictures planned a theatrical release of the film. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix purchased the distribution rights to the film and gave it a limited theatrical release on the coasts and in major cities in late September.

Those who have seen the film remark that it is typical Sorkin content, with a delicious script. It also serves a timely message in the current political and social landscape.

Opening this weekend in cinemas in Bismarck and streaming on Netflix.

American Utopia

”American Utopia” is a live recording of David Byrne’s hit Broadway show of the same name. Spike Lee directed and produced the film which features Byrne and 11 musicians performing a version of his album, American Utopia.

The film project was kept under wraps until June, when HBO announced the film would make the festival circuit before debuting exclusively on HBO Max. The world premiere of the project was held virtually and somewhat in-person at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Broadway show was a critical and commercial hit. The live recording is receiving similar praise, with Lee’s style earning especially strong notes.

Streaming on HBO Max.

Clouds

Warner Bros. initially announced in February 2016 that it had acquired the rights to the memoir Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way by Laura Sobiech about her son, Zach Sobiech. The musician from Lakeland, Minnesota, became a viral sensation with the single “Clouds” just before his death in May 2013 of bone cancer.

The inspirational film, directed by Justin Baldoni, features Fin Argus as Zach and features Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Iseman, Neve Campbell, Tom Everett Scott, and Lil Rel Howery in supporting roles.

Filming took place in October 2019 in Canada and the finished project was acquired by Disney+ in May 2020 after the film’s initial theatrical release was put on hold due to the pandemic.

Streaming on Disney+.