The Conspirator
Historical drama from director Robert Redford about the trial of an alleged conspirator in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
Mary Surratt (Robin Wright) is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator when the group who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln are put on trial. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), a 28-year-old Union war-hero, to uncover the truth and save her life. Also stars Rachel Evan Wood, Kevin Kline and Tom Wilkinson.
- Director:
- Robert Redford ('Lions for Lambs', 'The Horse Whisperer', 'Quiz Show')
- Writer:
- James D. SolomonGregory Bernstein
- Cast:
- James McAvoyRobin WrightJustin LongAlexis BledelEvan Rachel WoodKevin KlineToby KebbellDanny HustonStephen RootTom Wilkinson
Reviews & comments
Variety
pressThis methodical courtroom drama is charged with impassioned performances and an unimpeachable liberal message. But its stodgy emphasis on telling over showing will limit its reach to Civil War buffs and self-selecting older viewers.
Total Film
pressRobert Redford’s first film since Lions For Lambs is a dull courtroom drama about the trial of eight people charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln.
The New York Times
pressThe few glimpses we catch of the Ford's Theater production of "Our American Cousin" are unfortunately the liveliest and most convincing moments in this well-meaning, misbegotten movie.
Roger Ebert
pressRedford considers this material in an unusually literate and thoughtful historical film, working from years of research by his screenwriter, James Solomon. I found it absorbing and relevant today.
JUST..BELIEVEABLE
Its hard to believe that the young lawyer Frederick Aiken could have the nouse and educated legal mind to even get the highly esteemed generals,jurors,judge to consider his argument;which he did do. Given he was a war hero and ranked officer was a far cry from having a learned and experienced bravado that is befitting to a wiser or older counseller. Robin...
Variety
pressThis methodical courtroom drama is charged with impassioned performances and an unimpeachable liberal message. But its stodgy emphasis on telling over showing will limit its reach to Civil War buffs and self-selecting older viewers.
Total Film
pressRobert Redford’s first film since Lions For Lambs is a dull courtroom drama about the trial of eight people charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln.
The New York Times
pressThe few glimpses we catch of the Ford's Theater production of "Our American Cousin" are unfortunately the liveliest and most convincing moments in this well-meaning, misbegotten movie.
Roger Ebert
pressRedford considers this material in an unusually literate and thoughtful historical film, working from years of research by his screenwriter, James Solomon. I found it absorbing and relevant today.
JUST..BELIEVEABLE
Its hard to believe that the young lawyer Frederick Aiken could have the nouse and educated legal mind to even get the highly esteemed generals,jurors,judge to consider his argument;which he did do. Given he was a war hero and ranked officer was a far cry from having a learned and experienced bravado that is befitting to a wiser or older counseller....
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