The Conspirator

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is The Conspirator.  Directed by Robert Redford. Written by James D. Solomon. Screen story by James D. Solomon & Gregory Bernstein.

Review #115

MPAA Rating: PG-13  for some violent content.

Runtime: 122 min

Cast

James McAvoy - Frederick Aiken

Robin Wright - Mary Surratt

Kevin Kline - Edwin Stanton

Evan Rachel Wood - Anna Surratt

Danny Huston - Joseph Holt

Tom Wilkinson - Reverdy Johnson

Colm Meaney - David Hunter

Johnny Simmons - John Surratt

Chris Bauer - Major Smith

Stephen Root - John Lloyd

James Badge Dale - William Hamilton

Alexis Bledel - Sarah Weston

Justin Long - Nicholas Baker

In the over 200 years of our country's existence. We have experienced the assassination of four commander's in chief.


Abraham Lincoln, 1865

James A. Garfield, 1881

William McKinley, 1901

John F. Kennedy, 1963

Lincoln's assassination carried more notoriety than being the first in our history. He was also killed during wartime. That action sent our country who was already in upheaval to utter panic and chaos. This is why we have our government. They're supposed to re-establish order and revive a nation shaken by combat and tragedy.

But what happens when our elected leaders end up doing more harm than good?

After the president's assassination, steps are immediately taken to apprehend the supposed perpetrators which happens quite swiftly. One of the accused is Mary Surratt, owner of a boarding house that held several of the men who plotted to kill Lincoln. She is also the mother of a key and only member of the group who evaded capture.

Due to this connection, she was to be tried along with the rest in a military tribunal and not in a civilian trial with a jury of her peers. Frederick Aiken, a lawyer by trade enjoying civilian life after his time in combat was asked to defend Mary. Against strenuous objection he takes the case and realizes that things are indeed not what they seem.

This film was tough to read. There were instances where it fell into a lull and it appeared it was staying there. Then when Surratt's trial takes place The Conspirator hits it's stride. Unfortunately it's those same scenes that bring the film down a peg or two. There have been many reviews and opinions toward this film having indirect parallels to 9-11 and the governments misdirection toward the actual enemy.

It is very evident that that tone is set but it goes too far.

The panel of generals and prosecution are bullies, hell bent on securing a conviction no matter the cost. It's very clear early on that the public demand retribution for the horrific crimes committed against their leader. It's that blind hatred and misguided sense of justice that the powers that be wield to serve their needs in order to preserve the greater good. You can even make the case that corruption was rampant throughout the judicial preceding. These thoughts and practices are well executed and performed by the all star cast.

The issue I have was this Redford's intent.

I found it very disappointing and infuriating that our government at the time chose to abandon the laws created by them in the interest of "justice" while hiding behind the absurd notion that it was all for the people. I felt deeply for Aiken in this film. He had a snowball's chance in hell of winning the case but even less of a chance of being heard as a equal in the court of law. The abuse of power also flowed all the way to the top. Minds were made up and no amount of evidence was going to sway the already convicted Surratt. It's this mindless thinking that pushed me to root for Aiken more and more.

I really hope this was the objective of this film. Otherwise it serves as a very poor reflection of our country during a time where it's leaders were supposed to honor a system that they implemented to maintain peace and civility. I want to make this abundantly clear. Just because I spent the better part of this review spewing anger towards the government's portrayal and actions. It doesn't change the fact that the film is very well made and thought provoking. I think it tries too hard to make a connection to a past historic event with a more recent one.

Just stick to the event in play and let us make our own minds.

On the 5 star scale. The Conspirator gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Thor.

Until Next Episode...."I'll save you a seat!"

"D"