Chicago 10 documentary, animation, recreation of an important American event.

Chicago 10
Brett Morgen

Plot Outline:
Archival footage, animation, and music are used to look back at the eight anti-war protesters who were put on trial following the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

With Eugene McCarthy at the helm of the controversy that put Chicago Illinois U.S.A. on the map of disobedience, it is no wonder that the man who propelled this medley of rebellion was Eugene McCarthy an iconoclastic member of the Senate. known for his love and recitation of poetry, A good friend of Robert Lowell. What better person to inspire the likes of Abbie Hoffman (Steal This Book), Jerry Rubin,and Bobby Seale to name just a few.
One of Eugene McCarthy's most notabl quotes is "The only thing that saves us from the bureaucracy is inefficiency. ..."

I had so wanted to embrace, to cherish, to recommend without reservation THE CHICAGO 10 documentary/film because it depicts a turning point in my life and the life of so many of us still alive to remember when. But unfortunately to say this film is mediocre is being generous.

There is a reason why scripts are written and rewritten and documentaries take years in the making. and if I had any idea that this preparatory process should be, could be curtailed while maintaining the integrity of the subject and the excellence in film creation that notion has again been dispelled.
Basically there are three sub themes going on:

the convention

'the rebellion against the convention
and

the Vietnam war

to bring all three of these important events into a cohesive film is extremely difficult What got compromised in this Chicago 10 attempt was the urgency of the WAR.


Additionally,There should have been......and this list is only a beginning

an explanation of the mule train

more than one black woman from the community giving her perspective
.
a shot or two from those who were there and still alive to tell of the unfolding events
What was it like to be "on the hill"?

something emotionally compelling about the impact of the Vietnam war, the immediacy that formed the appeal that this eruption and interruption in the democratic facade of this country's institutions demanded. Was it thought better to die at the hands of the Chicago police or on the battle fields of Vietnam?

And a statement at the end on subsequent rallies to herald the hositng of a convention. What are demonstrations like today and why. where are today's dramatics?

And the all too sad aftermath of the Chicago convention. The police taking over the Hilton Hotel, going into the rooms of the sleeping Eugene Mc Carthy supporters to beat them up, to maim and even kill them in the wee small hours of the night.,

Was it worth it?

That is the question And would they, those who were there, would they do it all again.

This film does not even get close to an answer to this all too real question. Is revolution in the Twenty First century possible? What will the conventions this year look like?

Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale will we be crying out for the likes of you in the years to come?

See the film for nostalgic sake but keep in mind, even this film can be redone. Hopefully it will be


Linda Zises
WBAI Women's Collective