After John Wilkes Booth's 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, a search is launched for the Southern sympathizers who helped plan his murder along with attempts on the lives of Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William H. Seward. Among those arrested and tried is Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), a widow at whose boarding house the conspirators hatched their dastardly plot. Maryland Senator Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) recruits idealistic attorney Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), a former Union Army captain and Civil War hero, to defend her. Initially reluctant, Aiken gradually becomes convinced of Mary's innocence, particularly after getting to know her daughter (Evan Rachel Wood), and even despite learning about her Confederate courier son (Johnny Simmons). However, the deck is stacked against Mary in a military tribunal, where the concepts of “innocent until proven guilty” and trial by a jury of peers are absent. In post–Civil War Washington, individual rights are subverted by concerns over “national security.” With obvious contemporary echoes, director Robert Redford struggles to inject suspense and create an emotional arc in what is essentially a historical courtroom melodrama. Utilizing flashbacks, the convoluted plot unfolds very slowly, but the entire cast delivers persuasive performances. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Robert Redford, a documentary on “The Plot to Kill Lincoln” (67 min.), 10 “Witness History” featurettes dealing with historical background and production (41 min.), a “making-of” featurette (10 min.), a photo gallery, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the “BonusView” picture-in-picture commentary mode with Redford. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven film.] (S. Granger)
The Conspirator
Lionsgate, 122 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99, Aug. 16 Volume 26, Issue 4
The Conspirator
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