The Conspirator

History At Its Finest!

The Conspirator directed by Robert Redford, is a civil war courtroom drama that leaves a lasting impression.  Based on a true story, this drama takes us back to the night Lincoln was assassinated.  Following the assassination there are seven men and one woman arrested.  The plot follows the court proceedings of one Mrs. Mary Surratt (Robin Wright.)

In the wake of Lincolns death, Northerners emotions run high and revenge is needed.  Mary Surrat is put on a military trial with a jury of Generals (Opposed to a civil trial with a jury of her peers).  We see this story play out through the eyes of  Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy).  Aiken is a Union Captain who has decided to practice law now that the Civil War is almost over.  His mentor, Reverdy Johnson, delivers him the news that they are to defend Mary Surratt.  Being a Union loving Northerner, the thought of representing someone involved in a brutal act of savagery makes him sick to his stomach.  Furthermore, Johnson appoints the entire case to Aiken, saying "She wont stand a chance without a proven loyal Union man representing her."



As the story plays on Aiken has to make decisions on what is more important to him... Revenge or The Constitution.  Mary Surratt must make a choice between her life or her family.  Aiken must watch as Surratt is basically stripped of her rights as an American and a human being (Thus making his job a wee bit harder than it already was). 

I watched this trial literally feeling Aiken's frustration and hesitation.  The film will truly make one question "What would I do?"   "What would the Founding Fathers say?"
     
     The only question you should be asking now is, "Where's the nearest Redbox?".

Overall Grade:    B+