The Conspirator (2011)

One of my all time favorites.

hyped garbage

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

First and foremost this movie is a courtroom drama, but what sets it apart is the topic and theme. Set at the end of the American Civil War it examines the motivations behind the controversial trial of Mary Surratt. It shows us emotions and views of the US after 4 years of civil war. What started as a profound belief in fighting for an obvious cause by both sides has deteriorated into visceral hatred. As all normal convention as gone by the way in the name of war, so has justice, and the assassination of Lincoln and the trials thereafter are merely an extension of that war. I have noted some criticisms in other reviews, such as putting forward Surratt's innocence, or an inaccurate portrayal of the behaviour of the prosecution. The movie does no such thing, and such comments are evidence that the effect that the Civil War has had on American society has still not faded to this day. This movie excellently displays the effect of war on a previously just society.

more than a film, it is a challenge. a great one. because it propose a not well known from American modern history. because each detail is defined with precision , in many moments The Conspirator becoming a contemporary story. because the subjects are high delicate but presented in the most inspired manner. and sure, the acting. who escapes from every definition temptation because it is perfect. a mother and her lawyer. need of revenge. justice act as a dark mixture of hypocrisy and preconceptions, stereotypes and marked by the woman condition in a society of men. but the best detail is the splendid art of Robin Wright to do a special, delicate eulogy to motherhood. and the grow up of young lawyer to assume his difficult and impossible duty for James McAvoy. not only a beautiful film. but, more important, an useful one. not only for the exposure of a historical episode. but for reflection about contemporary problems and themes.

To duly appreciate this movie maybe you must forget that the Southern cause during the Civil War in USA was a bad one because furthermore to the rest, it defended slavery and racism which means you must avoid any sympathy for it. Putting this aside we must admit this is a very good film which tells the real story of the trial of a southern woman charged with conspiracy to murder President Lincoln and who always declared herself innocent. The trial, conducted by army officers was an apishness of justice with total violation of the defendant's rights, subtracting her to a trial at a civil court to begin with and that she was entitled to. The offense of her right to defend herself is constant and it includes manoeuvres to favour the accusation some of them carried out by the prosecution itself. The movie respects faithfully the historical truth of this real case and all the performances by actors and actresses are superb, by "goodies" and "badies" as well with particular notability to James McAvoy as Frederick Aiken, the defence lawyer and Robin Wright as Mary Surratt the defendant. All the scenes are very realistic in terms of interior and exterior sceneries, characters' dressing and personal behaviour all according to the movie's epoch. A movie worth to be seen indeed.

The Conspirator is set just after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, when the Civil war was coming to an end. Even thought the main plot is a court case, it captivates the viewer's interest. Throughout the movie you grow to like the main characters, Mary Surratt and Frederick Aiken, more and more and you want them to win their case. I found this historical and emotional movie to be intriguing because it gave me a new perspective on history. Most of us were taught in school how President Lincoln was assassinated, however we are not usually taught to much detail about what happened after the fact. Even though The Conspirator may not be historically accurate in some scenes, it does portray how the government was corrupt in the court of law. Also, I found the plot twist at the end unpredictable, but I do not recommend this movie to one who enjoys happy endings. I hope this review helps and enjoy your movie.