‘The Conspirator’: An Interesting Look Back at American History

History is always an interesting thing to delve into but it can also be overwhelming to take in. Most of the time, British history holds more of an interest for me than American (this because I love British period productions), but the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln do interest me. History that I have never before explored like this.

The Conspirator (2011) Film Review

Abraham Lincoln has just led a nation through a Civil War as president of the United States. Shortly after the end of the war, a lone bullet fired by a stage actor fatally wounds the president. His assassin is shot to death by a loyal Union soldier, but it doesn’t save the President. With two other men also targets, the vice president and secretary of state, it becomes clear that John Wilkes Booth is not a lone plotter. Following his death, seven men and one woman are arrested on treason. The woman, Mary Surratt (Robin Wright) claims innocence before going up against a military tribunal.

Recently back from the battle fields as a war hero, Fredrick Aiken (James McAvoy) returns to his post of attorney, and is chosen by his superior, Senator Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) to second chair the case. Before long, the Senator abandons the case leaving sole responsibility to the reluctant union captain. Fred listens to Mary’s story but finds he cannot get her a fair trial. She claims her home was merely used for the meetings, but doubtful of this, Fredrick wrestles with his moral obligation and what is true.

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I was really excited to see this movie for a while now. Not just because it revolves around an important piece of history but because it’s a new period film. I’m not sure how accurate this movie is to the historic events, but there is a look of authenticity in many respects. There’s wonderful costuming as a backdrop for the bigger more important story that unfolds. I like that the movie seems to “come alive” with the settings. All of this compliments the script, but perhaps the biggest accomplishment is its acting, which is phenomenal. James, Robin, Tom and the supporting cast (which consists of Alexis Bledel and Evan Rachel Wood) each give compelling and emotional performances respectively. There wasn’t a weak member among them.  

In the little bits and pieces of reading I did subsequent to seeing the film, there seems to be enough here to assume that writers and director Robert Redford did as accurate a job as can of bringing this story to the screen. There is likely exaggeration in various instances, for dramatic effect, but that’s beside the point. There’s even the accuracy of one conspirator losing nerve. Where the film does stumble is being a bit confusing once the attacks start. We go back-and-forth between three different locations where three men plan to carry out part of the plot to bring down the presidency. In all other respects, the movie is pretty good.

It’s a compelling, gripping story that takes a look at underhanded politics, and how sometimes, truth doesn’t win.  

Content: the film shows a few battle wounds and in shadows Lincoln’s assassination. Another man is stabbed in a brutal way. The film is PG-13.