As a peace-loving liberal, cross-examining Morgen's rousing, worthy, but slanted film is as fun as kicking yourself in the shins (or watching Clinton tear into Obama)
Chicago 10 (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:77
Fresh:61
Rotten:16
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Brett Morgan's half-animated, half-documentary film is an arresting, sometimes visionary portrait of the historic and chaotic trial.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language and brief sexual images.
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Genre: Education/General Interest
Theatrical Release:Feb 29, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: Brett Morgen follows up his dazzling THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE with another daring, inventive work of nonfiction. CHICAGO 10 tells the raucous story of the trial that resulted after the... Brett Morgen follows up his dazzling THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE with another daring, inventive work of nonfiction. CHICAGO 10 tells the raucous story of the trial that resulted after the tumultuous Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. During the convention, a group of Yippies and other confrontationists pulled off a series of sit-ins and pranks that led to an eruption of violence. The result was a trial that simultaneously amused, thrilled, and challenged the nation and our notions of freedom. The supposed leaders of these insurrections became defendants, who used their position in the spotlight to further provoke the powers-that-be. They included Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, and Lee Weiner. In addition to providing a solid historical context using stock footage of actual events, Morgen takes Rubin's claim that the trial was a cartoon to a literal level by recreating the trial's most infamous moments in full-blown animation. Famous voices (Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, Dylan Baker, Mark Ruffalo, Roy Scheider, Jeffrey Wright, Liev Schrieber) provide the energetic dialogue that brings these scenes to electrifying life. Morgen also uses a sonic onslaught of aggressive modern pop music (Eminem, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine) to remind younger viewers that at the time, these were the voices of genuine anti-authority. CHICAGO 10 works as an invigorating history lesson that aims to wake viewers up and remind them of their ability to help determine where American society is headed. [More]
Starring: Hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Nick Nolte, Mark Ruffalo
Starring: Hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Nick Nolte, Mark Ruffalo, Roy Scheider, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Wright
Director: Brett Morgen
Director: Brett Morgen
Screenwriter: Brett Morgen
Producer: Brett Morgen, Graydon Carter
Composer: Jeff Danna
Studio: Roadside Attractions
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Reviews for Chicago 10
In its best moments, and they are considerable, Chicago 10 makes you see 1968, that near-apocalyptic year, with fresh eyes, as an extraordinary turning point in history now at least partly set free from boomer nostalgia and regret.
It wouldn’t hurt anyone, young or old, to catch up on the fascinating history lesson illustrated and embellished by Mr. Morgen and his crew in Chicago 10.
The film covers the history of the central events as well as could be hoped in an hour and 40 minutes and conveys some of the feel of the time.
Chicago 10 not only brings to life one of the sorriest chapters in American cultural and political history, but breathes new life into a film genre that usually has all the imagination and verve of a visit to Madame Tussauds.
Energetic as the courtroom antics are, the vintage footage holds its own amazements.
Chicago 10 is a timely reminder that dissident youth once were viewed by the government as enemies of the state. Morgan's collection of these images forces us to keep watching, and recognize this as part of our very recent history.
The filmmakers' hope, presumably, is that kids will see Chicago 10 and get stirred into action%u2014taking to the streets to take down The Man, Yippie style.
Chicago 10 is an art-house rarity that manages to visually dazzle while peeling away the layers of this contentious moment in time, giving viewers an eyeful of social unrest and wondrous screen fantasia.
The ultimate lesson? Sometimes you make a noble point by acting like a jackass.
The director wants to bring recent history to life for people who weren't around to witness it, and in that he succeeds pretty admirably.
A riveting work that's hilarious, accessible and, sure, timeless in some ways. But still maybe a bit useless, too.
Here is an unabashed call to a new age of protests. Is it agit prop propaganda? You bet.
If you accept the premise that it's a multimedia happening rather than a history lesson, the half-documentary, half-cartoon Chicago 10 is a smash of a mash-up. Call it 1968, the Remix.
It's hard not to think of the many other protestors, detainees, and U.S. citizens whose rights are being stifled as we speak.
A provocative reflection of its rule-breaking subjects, Brett Morgen's political documentary re-examines the past while drawing unmissable parallels to the present.
Defying chronology and without interviews or narration, Morgen's inventive docu is a colorful chronicle of the Democratic Convention and Conspiracy Trial perfectly tuned to our politically charged times--a call to arms that's not didactic or preachy
Morgen is an invigorating filmmaker, not content to go the well-traveled route when there's a new path to try. Chicago 10 benefits from that sense of adventure.
Morgen displays obvious admiration for the Yippies’ festive mentality in the shadow of authority, but he makes a valiant effort to avoid treating them as relics.
Latest News for Chicago 10
August 27, 2008:
Docu-drama revisits historic free speech trial of anti-war activists arrested during the 1968 Democratic Convention. ![]()
More...
February 28, 2008:
Critics Consensus: Semi-Pro is Semi-Good, Boleyn Girl Not Quite Movie Royalty
This week at the movies, we've got hapless hoopsters, snouted socialites, and scandalous siblings. What do the critics have to say? More...
January 21, 2007:
Sundance News: "Chicago 10" Disappoints; Dakota Fanning's "Hounddog" Violating Child Pornography Laws? "Crazy Love" Causes Bidding War
Since the Sundance Film Festival started two days ago, three films have already drawn extra media attention. "Chicago 10," Brett Morgen's highly anticipated follow-up... More...
January 20, 2007:
Sundance Reviews: "Chicago 10" Is Unique But Flawed; "The Savages" Is Wrenching And True
Here are some short reviews of "Chicago 10" and "The Savages," both of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. More...
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