HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 5 History in the Movie, Fact or Fiction HIS FPX 1150 U.S. History: How the Past Informs the Present

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History in the Movies: Fact or Fiction

In 2020, Aaron Sorkin’s historical movie “The Trial of the Chicago 7” was released in theaters. The film recounts the infamous trial of seven activists accused of conspiring to incite disturbances during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The acting, direction, and writing of the movie have received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

However, as is common with many historical dramas, questions arise regarding how much of the plot is fictionalized versus how much is rooted in reality. To evaluate the movie’s adherence to historical facts, this analysis will examine the accuracy of its portrayal of the trial’s characters and events (Foster, 2021).

The accuracy of the movie (2020) will be assessed within the context of communication and problem-solving skills. Strong problem-solving techniques, along with considering all sides of a situation, can help in constructing compelling arguments. Beyond the scope of this course, verifying information before making decisions, whether in business or personal life, can lead to more effective and timely resolutions. It also helps in avoiding decisions based on arbitrary or inaccurate information.

HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 5 History in the Movies: Fact or Fiction

The historical movie “The Trial of the Chicago 7” focuses on the prosecution of seven anti-Vietnam War protesters who were charged with conspiracy and inciting violence during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. According to the movie, the Nixon administration orchestrated the trial as a political spectacle intended to intimidate the anti-war movement and suppress dissent. The defendants, including Tom Hayden, Bobby Seale, Abbie Hoffman, and others, face the challenge of defending themselves against a biased judge and a hostile prosecution. The film portrays the defendants as representing a range of political ideologies and backgrounds. It highlights the tension and antagonism between the protesters and the police, culminating in a violent confrontation that leads to numerous injuries and arrests (Foster, 2021).

Summary: The Trial of the Chicago 7

The film also explores the personal lives of the defendants, depicting them as complex individuals who are deeply committed to their beliefs. Abbie Hoffman, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, offers comic relief while simultaneously raising serious questions about the nature of protest and the boundaries of free speech. The ensemble cast, which includes Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, delivers powerful performances that bring the characters to life and convey the emotional weight of the trial (Cavender & Jurik, 2020). Overall, the movie is a gripping and thought-provoking film that illuminates a significant moment in American history and raises critical questions about justice, democracy, and the role of protest in society.

Historical Facts of the Movie

Although the movie is engaging and well-crafted, it does take certain liberties with historical facts and events. For instance, the film portrays Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, as one of the defendants, even though he was not part of the Chicago Eight (later Seven) and only briefly participated in the protests. Additionally, the movie exaggerates the role of undercover police officers in inciting violence and minimizes the role of protesters in escalating the situation. While the film accurately depicts the bias of Judge Julius Hoffman and the prosecution’s efforts to railroad the defendants, it simplifies the legal and political complexities of the trial and the issues at stake (Gray, 2020).

HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 5 History in the Movies: Fact or Fiction

Despite these departures from historical accuracy, the film successfully captures the spirit and energy of the anti-war movement and the atmosphere of the trial. The movie underscores the importance of dissent and free speech in a democracy and raises critical questions about the government’s role in suppressing dissent and manipulating the justice system. It also vividly portrays the personalities and passions of the defendants, who faced tremendous odds and the risk of imprisonment to speak truth to power. In summary, while the movie takes creative liberties with historical facts, it effectively captures the essence and significance of the events for American history and democracy (Gray, 2020).

Movie Impacts and the Public’s Understanding

The movie has played a significant role in shedding light on the complex and controversial trial that followed the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, a subject that many people were previously unaware of or had limited knowledge about. B