Directed by
Emily Kunstler
Made by
Arthouse Films
Discover the intricate plot of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
William Kunstler was a prominent lawyer in the 20th Century, known for his unwavering fight for civil rights alongside figures like Martin Luther King Jr. He took on the case of the Chicago 8, who were charged for protesting the Vietnam War, showcasing his commitment to justice. When the inmates in Attica prison staged a takeover, or when Native Americans stood up against federal authority at Wounded Knee, they sought out Kunstler as their legal defender. To his daughters, Emily and Sarah, he was a legendary figure, a father who stood at the forefront of significant societal events.
However, by the time the girls were born in the late 1970s, Kunstler was no longer in his prime. The father they knew had already entered into murky waters, being photographed kissing a Mafia client and defending actions he considered politically motivated assassinations. His controversial clientele included an Islamic fundamentalist charged with the murder of a rabbi, a terrorist implicated in the World Trade Center bombing, and a young man accused of a brutal gang rape. As Kunstler passed away in 1995, both Emily and Sarah began to feel that he had strayed from ideals worth fighting for, transforming from an idol into a seemingly embattled and isolated man.
The documentary Disturbing the Universe: Radical Lawyer William Kunstler, directed by his daughters, delves into their father’s dramatic evolution from a conventional family man to a courageous figure willing to risk everything for his beliefs. Kunstler’s journey took a pivotal turn in the 1960s when he, a 40-year-old attorney with a steady practice in estate and divorce law, decided to leave his suburban life to immerse himself in the civil rights movement.
His rise to international recognition came swiftly when he chose to defend the Chicago 8, individuals facing charges for inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. In an audacious act, he challenged the judicial process, putting the Vietnam War and the issue of American racism under scrutiny. However, this trial altered Kunstler’s perception; he transitioned from viewing the law as a tool for justice to recognizing it as a means for those in power to maintain control over society.
Kunstler’s firsthand experiences at Attica Prison during the 1971 rebellion solidified this revelation. As an observer for the inmates, he witnessed the tragic aftermath of a violent state assault that resulted in the deaths of 29 inmates and 9 hostages, alongside hundreds of injuries. The film presents archival footage that captures the brutality of the incident, addressing both the harshness of the state’s actions and ongoing debates about Kunstler’s role, with some arguing that he only fueled the inmates’ unrealistic hopes of amnesty.
Through a combination of interviews and historical footage, the documentary portrays divergent opinions about Kunstler’s influence—some accused him, while others credited him with saving lives. Although his numerous high-profile trials and victories bolstered his confidence as a skilled and passionate lawyer, he struggled to balance his professional life with fatherhood. His daughters, concerned for their father’s reputation, urged him against defending Yusef Salaam, a black teenager wrongfully accused in a notorious case. The media demonized him, branding him a monster, only for the narrative to shift years later when Salaam, now an innocent man, was exonerated after DNA evidence proved his innocence.
In Kunstler’s own words during the Chicago 8 trial, > “I suspect that more people have gone to their deaths through a legal system than through all the illegalities in the history of man: 6 million people in Europe during the Third Reich. Legal. Sacco and Vanzetti. Legal. The hundreds of great trials throughout the South where black men were condemned to death. All legal. Jesus. Legal. Socrates. Legal. …All tyrants learn that it is far better to do this thing through some semblance of legality than to do it without that pretense.”
The essence of the film underscores Kunstler’s resolve to prioritize justice over mere legalities, defending those cast aside by society simply because they required advocacy the most, all while skillfully maintaining media attention. Ultimately, Emily and Sarah conclude their exploration of Kunstler’s multidimensional character, weaving together his complex legacy into a relatable and human narrative.
Track the key events of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
William Kunstler's Early Career
In the early part of the 20th century, William Kunstler established himself as a lawyer with a steady practice in estate and divorce law. Despite this success, Kunstler felt a growing discontent with the conventional legal profession and societal issues surrounding him.
Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement
In the 1960s, Kunstler made a pivotal decision to leave his suburban lifestyle and immerse himself in the civil rights movement. His actions positioned him as a key figure advocating for marginalized groups and fighting systemic injustices.
Defending the Chicago 8
Kunstler gained international recognition when he defended the Chicago 8, a group charged with inciting riots during the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention. This trial became a crucial moment, highlighting the tensions around the Vietnam War and civil rights.
Challenging the Judicial Process
During the Chicago 8 trial, Kunstler audaciously challenged the judicial system, emphasizing the role of the law in maintaining power. His statements, such as that the legal system led many to their deaths, encapsulated his evolving philosophy on justice.
Witnessing the Attica Rebellion
In 1971, Kunstler went to Attica Prison to observe a rebellion by inmates demanding better conditions. The violent state response resulted in significant casualties, shaping Kunstler’s understanding of law as a tool for oppression rather than liberation.
Complex Legacy and Controversies
As Kunstler took on high-profile cases, his reputation grew, but he also faced scrutiny for defending controversial figures, including a Renaissance to an Islamic fundamentalist. This period marked a shift in his public perception from hero to a polarizing figure.
Fatherhood and Struggles
While navigating his controversial legal career, Kunstler also faced challenges as a father. His daughters, Emily and Sarah, were concerned about his reputation, leading them to intervene when he chose to defend defendants like Yusef Salaam.
Defending Yusef Salaam
Kunstler's decision to defend Yusef Salaam, a black teenager wrongfully accused of gang rape, placed him under intense media scrutiny. Initially branded a monster, the narrative shifted years later when DNA evidence exonerated Salaam, restoring his name.
Wounded Knee Incident
When Native Americans faced federal authority during the occupation at Wounded Knee, they sought Kunstler's expertise in legal defense. This incident further highlighted Kunstler's commitment to defending marginalized communities against systemic oppression.
Kunstler's Shift in Perspective
Kunstler's experiences in various landmark trials led to a critical reflection on the law's role in society. He started viewing legal proceedings not just as fights for justice, but also as arenas where powerful interests maintained control.
Passing and Legacy
William Kunstler passed away in 1995, leaving behind a complex legacy that his daughters sought to understand. They grappled with the dichotomy between the revered figure they knew and the controversial lawyer he became, leading to a broader discussion on his impact.
Documentary Creation
In an effort to reconcile their father's legacy with their personal experiences, Emily and Sarah Kunstler created the documentary *Disturbing the Universe*. This film aimed to present an honest portrayal of their father's life, encompassing both his achievements and failings.
Themes of Justice and Morality
The documentary emphasizes the themes of justice vs. legality, drawing from Kunstler's own words during trials about the role of law in perpetuating tyranny. It reflects on how Kunstler's advocacy for marginalized individuals often put him at odds with prevailing societal views.
Meet the characters that bring William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
William Kunstler
William Kunstler is portrayed as a passionate and complicated lawyer dedicated to civil rights, whose ideals and tactics often sparked controversy. Despite his commitment to justice, he became mired in notoriety and public suspicion, challenging the notion of a hero in the legal arena. His character reflects both tenacity and vulnerability as he navigated conflicts in his personal and professional life.
Emily Kunstler
Emily Kunstler is depicted as a driven individual exploring her father's legacy through the documentary, filled with ambivalence about his career. She seeks to understand the man behind the public persona, reflecting on the dichotomy of being proud yet concerned about his controversial choices. Her character embodies the struggle for reconciliation with a complex parental figure.
Sarah Kunstler
Sarah Kunstler complements her sister's journey in the film, providing her own insights and feelings regarding their father's legacy. She represents a voice of reason and critique, grappling with the implications of Kunstler's actions on their family's perception. Through her perspective, the documentary gains further depth about familial relationships and legacy.
Uncover the settings of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1960s-1995
The 1960s was marked by significant civil rights movements and social upheaval, particularly in the United States, as people protested against injustices and governmental actions. This period witnessed events like the Chicago 8 trial, which highlighted issues surrounding the Vietnam War and systemic racism. Kunstler's life story unfolds during this transformative era, continuing until his death in 1995, a time when public perceptions of justice and law were evolving.
Location
Attica Prison, Wounded Knee, Chicago
Attica Prison is known for the infamous 1971 rebellion when inmates protested against inhumane conditions, leading to tragic consequences. Wounded Knee is historically significant as a site of conflict between Native Americans and federal authorities, symbolizing the struggle for indigenous rights. Chicago, as the setting for the trials associated with the Chicago 8, became a focal point for political and social activism during the Vietnam War era.
Explore the core themes of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
The theme of justice is central to the documentary, exploring how Kunstler committed his life to defending those marginalized by society. His belief in fighting for civil rights and legal representation for all, regardless of their past, underlines a profound moral obligation. The film poses questions about the role of law in enacting true justice versus serving the interests of the powerful.
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, particularly through the lens of Kunstler's daughters, Emily and Sarah. They grapple with their father's controversial choices and legacy while trying to reconcile the father they admired with the public persona he developed. Their perspective adds depth to the theme of familial love amidst societal conflict.
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Legacy
Kunstler's evolving legacy is a significant theme, as it reflects the complexities of his character and choices. The documentary examines how he transitioned from an idol to a controversial figure, provoking discussions about his impact on justice and society. His legacy is both celebrated and questioned, highlighting the duality of his life’s work and its consequences.
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