Poor old drama **The Trial Of The Chicago **7. Unlike the protagonists at the centre of the real-life plot, the film can’t seem to get arrested. Big name directors have come and gone throughout its extended gestation, and, while it looked like Paul Greengrass might finally be the man to bring it to the screen, he’s now dropped out{
The film, which boasts an Aaron Sorkin screenplay and the compelling focus on a group of activists, including Abbie Hoffman, brought up before a judge following the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in the Windy City, has been floating around since at least 2007.
Back then, Steven Spielberg began developing the idea at DreamWorks when it was still partnered with Paramount, but Tintin and Lincoln gave him saucy winks and seduced him away. Ben Stiller and then Greengrass considered taking up the reins. But nothing came of their discussions.
Things looked promising this past July when Greengrass took an active interest once more, but the Hollywood Reporter brings word that DreamWorks and the director couldn’t agree to a budget, with the studio looking to spend around $30 million and Greengrass apparently arguing for more. The search continues…
Greengrass’ latest, true-life piracy tale Captain Phillips, is due to arrive here on October 18, following its October 9 launch at the London Film Festival.