"Chicago 10"
By Michael Gilbreath, PDA MA CD05 chapter
March 8, 2008, Cambridge, MA
I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of Chicago 10 on Tuesday night, followed by a Q & A with the film's Director Brett Morgan, and PDA Board member and participant in the events depicted in the film Tom Hayden.
The film is a moving re-telling of the events leading up to the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, and the government's efforts to squash the anti-war movement in the infamous trial that followed. The film combines archival footage of the events and participants, and animated segments that studiously follow the courtroom transcripts. (Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom.)
First released at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, it is described as taking a stylized, innovative approach that gives contemporary history a forced perspective. Director Brett Morgan boldly mixes original animation with extraordinary archival footage to explore the buildup to and unraveling of the infamous conspiracy trial. Set to the music of revolution then and now, Chicago 10 is a parable of hope, courage, and challenge as it portrays the struggle of young Americans attempting to confront an oppressive and armed government…their own.
As someone who grew up in Chicago, was there in the summer of '68, and who attended the trial one afternoon, this was a marvelous opportunity to recall what it felt like to be part of a self-conscious, mass movement to end a war and re-invent society. If you ever wondered about the events in Chicago that year, or you are interested in a testament to the power of an engaged generation I urge you to see this film.
See the trailer
here.
Check here for a showing near you.
Site Design by
Virgo Graphics
Web Development by
Turtle Island Web Design
Contact the PDA webmaster at .
Copyright © 2004-2007 Progressive Democrats of America • All text available for public use with appropriate attribution.
PDA Chapter News RSS Feed