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Created Apr 20, 2011 10:04AM PST • Edited Apr 20, 2011 10:06AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   While echoing conspiracy themes that are present in today’s headlines, The Conspirator is an interesting look at a time in our nation’s history when the outrage and shock of an act of violence, led to a call for swift and decisive punishment. Not so much justice, but punishment. As one character in the film points out, "It’s not justice you’re after, but revenge.”

   Set in the days around President Lincoln’s assassination, we’re witnesses to one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history. And in the subsequent hunt for the perpetrators, Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn) is arrested, after it was discovered that her son and his friends met in her boarding house to plan. Charged as a conspirator, the staunch Confederate sympathizer is defended in court by Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), a recently retired Union officer.

   The movie is a heavy-handed courtroom drama that, while well made, seems to move at a methodical pace that many might find frustrating. What director Robert Redford has made is an interesting insight into a difficult time in our country, which favors historically accurate set designs and costuming over action. This is not a bad thing, but it does take a certain mindset to watch. Don’t go expecting many action-scenes.

   It’s a good movie that gives us an accurate glimpse into a growing nation healing from a decisive war, and the tolls of an assassination that stressed an already uneasy balance between divided citizens.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   McAvoy does well in his role as the reluctant defender. He shows a nice range of emotions, including a building level of stress and frustration.

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

   Robin Wright Penn is great as the stoic Mary Surratt, and with her hair pulle dback taught and dyed dark for the film, she captures the look well.

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

   Evan Rachel Wood is adequate, but unremarkable as the daughter of Mary Surratt. Alexis Bledel is equally blasé in her role as the love interest of Aiken, although she seems to show some range when suffering prejudicial treatment.

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

   A mixed bag here, with several stars going through the motions in costume. Kevin Kline is regal in appearance as Edwin Stanton, but a bit wooden in his performance. Colm Meaney is enjoyable as the gruff military judge, who seems to have his own agenda. And Stephen Root, noted for his role in Office Space was a scene stealer as a drunken tavern owner asked to testify. I was impressed by Mr. Root’s performace and ability to portray a period character.

10. Film

    OK 2.5

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Redford creates a detailed courtroom drama, that moves at a methodical pace. Riveting from an intellectual standpoint, and fascinating for its attention to period detail.

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0

    Interesting use of soft lighting that overpowers through the windows in almost every shot. Coupled with a softer lens, it creates an interesting fuzzy effect. I’m not sure if there is a significance to this, or if it’s just a preference of Redford, but it was omnipresent throughout.

    Also had some creative camera angles that added a nice feel. For example, we see only Lincoln’s boots, as he lies dying. In other scenes, the camera shoot looking up at an angle to the actors, making us feel as though we are witnesses to the conversation (actually there) versus just watching it on the screen.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

    none

18. Violence Fierce 2.2

    Shooting and hangings

19. Rudeness Polite 1.4

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0