Chicago 10
Grade: A-

Brett Morgen (The Kid Stays in the Picture) furthers his reputation as a bold stylist with this flawed but electrifying documentary about Abbie Hoffman, Black Panther leader Bobby Seale and others who faced trial on charges of inciting riots at the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention. Using archival footage Morgen skillfully interweaves scenes of peace rallies with devastating images of police brutality. To depict the trial itself he goes out on a limb with mixed results, employing motion-capture animation that’s alternately hallucinogenic and hokey. Nick Nolte, Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo and Roy Scheider provide their vocal talents.

Screens at the Portland International Film Festival on Feb. 10 at 1:45 p.m. at the Regal Broadway Cinemas & Feb. 11 at 8:45 p.m. at the Portland Art Museum’s Whitsell Auditorium.