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Cast

James McAvoy
as Frederick Aiken

Tom Wilkinson
as Reverdy Johnson

Evan Rachel Wood
as Anna Surratt

Kevin Kline
as Edwin Stanton

Alexis Bledel
as Sarah

Justin Long
as Nicholas Baker

Danny Huston
as Joseph Holt

Robin Wright
as Mary Surratt

Colm Meaney
as Gen. David Hunter

James Badge Dale
as William Hamilton

Johnny Simmons
as John Surratt

Toby Kebbell
as John Wilkes Booth

Jonathan Groff
as Louis Weichman

Stephen Root
as John Lloyd

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News & Interviews for The Conspirator

Critic Reviews for The Conspirator

Audience Reviews for The Conspirator

• Mar 14, 2016

  Destined for American high school level history classrooms, this concerns the rushed trial the assassins of Abraham Lincoln, and asks if some Constitutional guarantees were tossed aside in order to achieve quick vengeance, as well as the execution of the first woman in U.S. history. It's a Robert Redford film and so reeks of quiet grace despite the pace being that of a dying-friend-in-the-hospital visit. The work of all onscreen is exemplary, particularly Robin Wright.
  Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
• Aug 14, 2015

  The Conspirator is one of the best true story/historical films I've seen. Nothing needed to have been added or taken from this accurate accounting of events for dramatic purposes. Without exaggeration, this is a legal story like no other; this is much more fascinating than fiction. I thought I knew this story, but I really didn't know the facts at all-just the headlines involving Booth. Those involved in this project did masterful jobs. Robert Redford crafts a revealing look at the rush to judgement. This tale of scapegoat justice is just as applicable in our time as in 1865. McAvoy and Wilkinson are spectacular, and Robin Wright displays a stoic sort of grace I haven't seen before. I can't imagine another actress capturing this woman's essence any better.
  Clintus M Super Reviewer
• Aug 04, 2014

  A controversial historical biopic, The Conspirator is an impassioned political drama from director Robert Redford. The film follows defense attorney Frederick Aiken as he attempts to defend Mary Surratt, who's charged as a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, but he soon discovers that the trial is more about politics than truth. Redford takes a decidedly pro-Surratt position and is very condemning of the tribunal system that was used to try the assassination conspirators. Still, the plot addresses some fascinating issues and themes about war, justice, and law. The cast is also extraordinarily good, featuring James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Evan Rachel Wood, and Tom Wilkinson. The Conspirator takes a few liberties with history, but it's a well-crafted and compelling film that asks provocative questions.
  Dann M Super Reviewer
• Apr 20, 2013

  The film portrays the aftermath of Lincolns murder; the trial of those who were caught in the act. However, the focus here is on the defense of Mary Surratt, the mother of one of the suspects who allegedly escapes the crime scene.successfully, The execution of the movie is quite conventional, but its roller-coaster story makes it watchable enough. Of course, it wont be all the same interesting for those of us who are well versed with history (or, for that matter, any subject as far as I'm concerned). The courtroom dramas are usually known for their fiery dialogues/sequences, but there's hardly any here. All these deficiencies, coupled with average performances, doesn't let the movie rise above mediocrity. All in all, its a passable fare. The conspiracy to kill the President followed by the conspiracy to send a seemingly innocent woman to gallows only goes on to prove how aptly the flick is titled. If only it were equally great in other departments too......... 4.5/10
  familiar s Super Reviewer

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