Monday, March 01, 2021

Sorkin uses Abbie Hoffman quote to condemn Capitol violence: Democracy is 'something you do'

BY JUSTINE COLEMAN - 02/28/21 THE HILL


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Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin quoted activist Abbie Hoffman during his Golden Globes acceptance speech to condemn the violence at the Capitol last month.

Sorkin, who wrote the screenplay for “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” recited a quote from the activist and member of the Chicago 7 about democracy as he accepted the “Best Screenplay – Motion Picture” award at the 78th annual Golden Globes.

Hoffman was one of the defendants in the trial that inspired the movie after he was charged for crossing state lines with the intent of starting a riot as part of protests in Chicago.

“I don’t always agree with everything the characters that I write do or say,” Sorkin said.

“But here’s something Abbie said, ‘Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat. But it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles,’” Sorkin recited.


"I don't need any more evidence than what happened on Jan. 6 to agree with this," he added before concluding his speech.

Sorkin referenced the riot at the Capitol this year when supporters of former President Trump stormed the building, resulting in five deaths and scores of officer injuries that day. The Capitol raid led the House to impeach Trump for the second time before the Senate later acquitted him.

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” beat out “Promising Young Woman,” “Mank,” “The Father” and “Nomadland” for the best movie screenplay.

Aaron Sorkin Channels Abbie Hoffman
 To Condemn U.S. Capitol Riot Upon Best Screenplay Win At Golden Globes


By Alexandra Del Rosario
Associate Editor/Nights & Weekends@_amvd
February 28, 2021 

Aaron Sorkin added to his total Golden Globe win count as The Trial of the Chicago 7 director took home his third prize on Sunday. During the annual awards ceremony, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Sorkin took home the best screenplay prize.

Sorkin’s legal drama centers a group of protesters accused of crossing state lines to cause a riot at the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention, and the subsequent trial in which they are tried as insurgents and instigators. The film stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Matteen II and Jeremy Strong

Upon receiving the Golden Globe award from Cynthia Erivo, Sorkin celebrated fellow nominees ChloƩ Zhao and Emerald Fennell and Regina King for inspiring his daughter to pursue film.

As his drama about the Civil Right movement-era found relevance to today’s audience, the director channeled Abbie Hoffman (portrayed by Baron Cohen in the Netflix film) to discuss the fatal attacks on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

“I don’t always agree with what the characters I write do or say, but Abbie said, ‘Democracy is not something you believe in or where you hang your hat, but it’s something you do. It’s something you participate. You stop doing it, democracy crumbles,” he recited. “I don’t need anymore evidence beyond what happened on January sixth to agree with this.”

Sorkin bested Zhao, Fennell, Jack Fincher, Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton for the prize. Trial of the Chicago 7 is also up for the evening’s best picture – drama and best director.

The 78th annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, aired Sunday on NBC. 


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