Genre: Historical drama
Director: Robert Redford
Plot: After the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, all of the conspirators are brought to trial, including Mary Surratt, the only woman among them. A Union soldier turned lawyer, Frederick Aiken is assigned to represent her.
Tidbits: The Conspirator is an interesting piece if you were ever interested in Abe Lincoln and his famed assassination. This film explores the trial of Mary Surratt, a woman who had given boarding to the assassin John Wilkes Booth and his friends on the night of the murder. Director Robert Redford makes it quite accurate in a historical sense, though I wouldn't want to speculate how true these events are, but Redford does make it feel authentic. What's also fascinating is the fact that Redford chooses to sympathize with Mary Surratt and depict the Union prosecutors and government as terribly one sided people who have already decided that she's guilty.
What's good: The casting is excellent, with a great ensemble putting in solid work all around. Robin Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Colm Meaney, Danny Huston and Kevin Kline are all good in their roles, with James McAvoy doing an excellent job as Frederick Aiken. The pace of the film is surprisingly good too, as historical films like these tend to drag.
What's bad: Nothing really, but I do wish they had explored Aiken and Mary's relationship a bit further. There were glimpses of hope, but they were too brief.
Verdict: The film didn't do too well financially, but it is by no means bad. I think it's quite underrated, and movie fans ought to check it out. Even if you're not a fan of American history, the fine cast is reason enough to see it. (3.5/5)
N.B.: Look out for brief appearances by Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls), Jonathan Groff (Glee) and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead).
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