The Conspirator Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer reluctantly defends a possibly innocent woman accused of helping Lincoln’s assassin, leading to awkward dinner parties and constitutional crises, all because her son had bad friends.

🍿 The Conspirator: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Assassination Aftermath

The film opens in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton orders the arrest of all suspects, including Mary Surratt, whose boarding house was a meeting place for the conspirators. This sets the stage for a tense legal drama in a nation demanding swift justice.

Frederick Aiken’s Dilemma

Frederick Aiken, a Union war hero and newly minted lawyer, is reluctantly assigned to defend Mary Surratt before a military tribunal. Initially, Aiken is repulsed by the idea of defending a suspected traitor, but as the trial progresses, he begins to question the fairness of the proceedings and the evidence against his client.

The Military Tribunal

The trial unfolds within a biased military tribunal, stacked against Surratt. Key witnesses present damaging testimony, but Aiken uncovers inconsistencies and questions the motives of the prosecution. He struggles to navigate the political pressures and public sentiment that demand a guilty verdict.

Unraveling the Truth

Aiken digs deeper, attempting to prove Mary’s innocence and expose the true conspirator: her son, John Surratt, who has fled. He seeks help from Anna Surratt and attempts to find John in order to clear his mother’s name.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Surratt (Robin Wright): The owner of a boarding house and the only woman charged as a conspirator in Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, forced to rely on a reluctant lawyer.
• Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy): A Union war-hero turned lawyer who reluctantly defends Mary Surratt, questioning his beliefs about justice.
• Edwin Stanton (Kevin Kline): The Secretary of War, determined to seek swift justice for Lincoln’s assassination, even if it means bending the rules.
• Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson): A Senator and lawyer who initially takes on Mary Surratt’s case and assigns it to Frederick Aiken due to his own perceived bias.
• John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell): The famous actor and Confederate sympathizer who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
• Anna Surratt (Evan Rachel Wood): Mary Surratt’s daughter, torn between loyalty to her mother and the need to reveal the truth about her brother.
• Joseph Holt (Danny Huston): The Chief Prosecutor in Mary Surratt’s trial, determined to prove her guilt and secure a conviction.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Edwin Stanton: “Mary Surratt’s fate rests entirely with the Commission. My concern is preserving our Union.” – Stanton emphasizes that the pursuit of justice is secondary to the broader goal of maintaining national stability.
• Frederick Aiken: “Why did I fight for the Union if my rights aren’t assured?” – Aiken questions the value of his service if fundamental rights are disregarded in the name of national security.
• Frederick Aiken: “They’re not after justice; they want blood.” – Aiken realizes the trial is driven by vengeance rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,538,204
• Worldwide Gross: $15,625,544

💥 The Conspirator Reviews

Personal Review

I thought ‘The Conspirator’ was quite captivating. McAvoy’s performance as Aiken was excellent. I was impressed by Wright’s portrayal of Mary Surratt, which made me sympathize with her even though I knew little about the historical context. The courtroom scenes were very intense, but I felt that the film got quite slow in some places. Overall, I really recommend giving it a watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of legal dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in American Civil War history”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Historical violence”
  • “Depiction of a hanging”
  • “Themes of political injustice”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Redford crafts a compelling courtroom drama, highlighting the post-Civil War era’s charged atmosphere. While the historical accuracy is debatable, the film provokes thought about justice and due process. McAvoy shines as the conflicted lawyer.
• ScreenRant: “The Conspirator delivers a solid history lesson but lacks emotional depth. The cast is strong, particularly Wright and McAvoy, but the pacing feels uneven, and the political commentary is at times heavy-handed. Entertaining, but not groundbreaking.
• The New York Times: “Redford focuses on the legal aspects but also provides a picture into the personal struggles of those involved. The courtroom drama brings excitement and has strong performances from Robin Wright and James McAvoy. However it does get slow in places and takes some liberties to entertain.

Audience Reactions

Robin Wright’s compelling performance as Mary Surratt was a standout.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of justice and civil liberties in times of crisis.

The courtroom drama and the portrayal of post-Civil War Washington were particularly gripping.: Viewers commended the film for bringing attention to a lesser-known aspect of the Lincoln assassination.

Overall Consensus: A compelling historical drama with strong performances, exploring themes of justice and civil liberties in a post-war setting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Redford has said that he wanted to make a film about the post-9/11 world, and he found it in the story of Mary Surratt.”
• “The film was shot in Savannah, Georgia, to capture the historical look and feel of 1860s Washington D.C.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with historians to ensure the accuracy of the costumes, sets, and historical details.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Conspirator?

The Conspirator is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and through various digital rental or purchase options such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Conspirator, you might like these similar films:

• Lincoln (2012): Depicts the political and social climate of the Civil War era and Lincoln’s leadership during a tumultuous time.
• Amistad (1997): Explores themes of justice, human rights, and legal battles in the context of historical events.
• A Few Good Men (1992): A courtroom drama that examines questions of duty, honor, and justice within a military context.

🛒 The Conspirator Related Products

• Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer: A gripping account of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. A perfect companion piece to delve deeper into the events surrounding Lincoln’s assassination and the conspirators involved. A suspenseful narrative, offering additional perspectives on the historical figures portrayed in ‘The Conspirator’
• Lincoln Assassination Conspirator Playing Cards: Each card features a different figure from the Lincoln assassination saga, including Mary Surratt and John Wilkes Booth. A unique collector’s item that combines historical figures with a practical item. An engaging way to learn more about the key players in the conspiracy.
• Assassination!: April 14, 1865: Step back into the tumultuous era of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination with this historical strategy board game. Navigate the intricate web of conspiracy as you either attempt to alter the course of history or ensure its tragic outcome. Immerse yourself in the political climate of the time with high attention to detail in research.
• The Civil War: A Narrative (3 Volume Set): Shelby Foote’s masterful narrative brings the Civil War to life. Provides comprehensive historical background for better understanding.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Conspirator features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “All Hail to Our Triumph” – performed by Harry Buckline, Arranged and Performed by Curtis Roush

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The HORRIFIC Execution Of The Woman Of Abraham Lincoln’s Shooting

Ever wonder about the real story behind Mary Surratt’s execution after Lincoln’s assassination? This video dives deep into the controversy and the tragic details – it’s a must-watch if you’re curious about the darker side of history!

Discussing Civil War Movies PART 1: The Good and The Bad

Want to know if ‘The Conspirator’ gets the Civil War right? This video breaks down the historical accuracy (or inaccuracy!) of the film, alongside other Civil War movies. It’s like a history lesson and movie review all in one!

James McAvoy-TIFF 2010

Want to get inside the head of the actor who played the main character in ‘The Conspirator’? James McAvoy shares his thoughts on the film and his role – fascinating stuff for any fan!

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