Sacha Baron Cohen cast as Abbie Hoffman in new Spielberg flick
The Times of London is reporting that Steven Spielberg has cast Sacha Baron Cohen in his upcoming “Chicago Seven” movie as Abbie Hoffman. Who else were you expecting him to play? Bobby Seale? (Yes, I know that Seale was removed from the trial). Wow. I can’t think of anyone more perfect for the role of Abbie Hoffman than Sacha Baron Cohen. Maybe Judah Friedlander actually. But he doesn’t exactly have the box office pull that Cohen has. Cohen, a student of American history himself (he wrote his master’s thesis on Jewish involvement in the American civil right’s movement) is perfect casting.
I recall vividly my first introduction to this time in history. HBO broadcast a docudrama in 1987 called “Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8.” I made numerous trips to the library and digested books about the Yippies and the Black Panthers. It was at this age that I really started to be engaged with history.
The movie, written by West Wing scribe Aaron Sorkin, will not likely involve a lot of walking in hallways due to the courtroom location. Sorkin’s trademark witty banter will be evident however. If Sorkin is basing his script on the actual transcript of the trial it is unavoidable. Hoffman entertained all participants and consistently joked with the judge whose last name was also Hoffman. Though he also called him a “disgrace to the Jews,” which certainly didn’t endear him. I can’t wait for this film.
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Ah, you know Judah Friedlander? He’s great-seen his stand-up before? Most people still don’t know him.
Of course I do! He’s great on 30 Rock!