Watch William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a compelling documentary film that explores the life and work of William Kunstler, one of the most controversial and influential lawyers in American history. Directed by Emily and Sarah Kunstler, the film combines interviews with Kunstler's family, friends, colleagues, and clients with archival footage and photographs to paint a rich and complex portrait of a man who championed civil rights, anti-war activism, and political dissent.

The film opens with a montage of clips from Kunstler's many high-profile cases, including the Chicago Seven trial, the Attica prison riot, and the Wounded Knee occupation. These cases, which brought national attention to the issues of government suppression of dissent, police brutality, and institutional racism, made Kunstler a hero to many on the left and a villain to many on the right. The film then introduces Kunstler's family and upbringing, revealing the complex mixture of Jewish liberal idealism, working-class roots, and intellectual curiosity that shaped his worldview.

Throughout the film, the Kunstler family provides a personal lens on the lawyer's public life, with Kunstler's daughters and ex-wife offering candid and often conflicting assessments of his legacy. They describe him as a charismatic, passionate, and courageous man who was driven by his sense of justice and his dedication to the underdog. But they also acknowledge his flaws, including his philandering, his egotism, and his tendency to overstate his accomplishments. These conflicting views provide a nuanced and fascinating picture of a man who was both a hero and a human being.

The film also features interviews with some of Kunstler's closest colleagues, including fellow lawyers Ron Kuby and Margaret Ratner Kunstler, who offer insights into his legal strategies, his political beliefs, and his personal quirks. They describe Kunstler as a brilliant, intuitive, and fearless lawyer who was willing to take on any client, no matter how unpopular or controversial. They also talk about his relentless energy, his love of attention, and his tendency to view himself as a revolutionary rather than a lawyer.

As the film progresses, it delves into Kunstler's most famous cases and the controversies that surrounded them. The Chicago Seven trial, which involved a group of anti-war activists who were charged with inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, is highlighted as a turning point in Kunstler's career. The film examines Kunstler's passionate defense of the defendants, his conflicts with the judge, and the way that his legacy was defined by this case.

The film also explores Kunstler's involvement in the Attica prison riot of 1971, which resulted in the deaths of 39 prisoners and hostages. Kunstler's defense of the prisoners, and his criticism of the state's response to the riot, made him a target of the authorities and the media. The film examines the reasons for Kunstler's involvement in the case, his advocacy for prisoner's rights, and the impact that the Attica case had on his career and reputation.

Finally, the film turns to Kunstler's involvement in the American Indian Movement and his defense of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist who was convicted of killing two FBI agents. Kunstler's advocacy for Peltier, and his criticism of the government's handling of the case, made him a hero to many in the Native American community. The film examines Kunstler's relationship with Peltier, the controversies surrounding the case, and the legacy of Kunstler's work on behalf of Native Americans.

Throughout the film, Kunstler's life and work are placed in the context of the larger social and political movements of the 20th century. The film explores the emergence of the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the various struggles for social justice that defined Kunstler's career. It also examines the various controversies and challenges that Kunstler faced over the course of his life, from the violent threats that he received during the Chicago Seven trial to the criticism that he faced from some in the African American community.

Overall, William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a fascinating portrait of one of America's most controversial and influential lawyers. Through its combination of archival footage, personal interviews, and historical context, the film provides a nuanced understanding of Kunstler's life and legacy, and its impact on the larger struggle for justice and democracy in the United States.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 62.