New film to review:
The Conspirator (2010)Trailerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LzovRI4zigWithout giving too much away, the film tells the true story of the trials of the alleged conspirators involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and focuses on the trial of Mary Surratt, the mother of one of the conspirators who found herself on trial when her son went into hiding. Representing Surratt is a young, up-and-coming attorney who, after returning a Civil War hero finds himself tasked with one of the most difficult defence cases possible despite his personal convictions and allegiances.
The film draws strong parallels between the hysteric tones present after the tragedies of the Lincoln assassination and the 9/11 attacks, as well as the legal and constitutional violations in the trials/imprisonment of alleged perpetrators/terrorists and abettors in both cases.
I loved the film (and not everyone will), I found it excellent, but then I generally love films which focus on high profile trials (the last one I enjoyed was Neuremberg (2000) with Alec Baldwin). The film does take patience, as it can be slow in places, but generally it's a worthwhile watch. James McAvoy (last king of Scotland, Wanted, X-Men first class) delivers a solid performance as do the rest of the cast.
7.5/10