Reviews: The Conspirator

Director Robert Redford brings to life the trial of widow Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), accused by the federal government of being a co-conspirator to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.

The Conspirator opens with Maryland Senator Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) handing off Surratt's case to Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), an unwilling and cautious former Union Captain with little experience in the court room. Skeptical at first, Aiken begins to realize the justice system is stacked against his client and heavily in favor of revenge.

While the events surrounding President Lincoln's assassination are certainly tragic, viewers cannot help butdraw connections (with Redford's help, no less) to post-9/11 policies toward detainees. In addition to his acting and directing, Redford is well known for his left-of-center political activism. Don't let that keep you away from the movie, though.

The acting is great, and with a near-perfect cast of characters, it is sure to keep you entertained. Rotten Tomatoes critics give The Conspirator 55%, while viewers scored it nearer to 80%. Arlington Nightlife gives it 3 out of 5 stars.

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