Review of The Conspirator (2011) by Mark C — 08 Aug 2011

What is with legal thrillers and trailers that make them look like they're going to be pure action movie? For that matter, why are they called legal "thrillers"? They're boring as all get-out. Well, guess what kiddies. This film falls into those conventions, but lord knows those aren't the only conventions this falls into. There's little uniqueness to the film, but that's not the film's only major flaw. On top of a lack of uniqueness, the film is most damaged by dullness.

The film is talkative, but otherwise quiet and although the film is at its worst in the comes-and-goes post-assassination development segment in that department, it is a constantly slow experience, not unlike most legal dramas. What makes it worse is that there's hardly anything unique or exciting about the film. However, the film does have a good deal of golden moments where it is genuinely entertaining and offbeat. As slow as it, I have to at least give it credit for being constantly fascinating. As a study on the Lincoln assassination, this is fairly interesting, but as a film itself, it is fairly compelling. Sure, the predominant slowness and lack of uniqueness does damage the film's compellingness, but what holds everything together are the performances. Of course, the performances aren't the only strengths behind the film.

The film is supported by excellent production value, fine cinematography, an excellent final act and... that's about it. Really, there's not much to the film other than its compellingness, handsome appearance and performances. The film is a slow ride, but what keeps it up - other than the production values - are the fine performances. No, there's not much terribly great about the performances, but each character plays their part quite well. The Surratt family members' performers really do keep up the tension with their charisma and I did find myself quite impressed by Evan Rachel Wood, who does a fine job at emotional work, which intensifies as the film progresses and really assists in the emotional resonance. As for James McAvoy, his charisma is, as usual, crackling. His charm and strong presence makes him a fine leading man and one of the key elements that reduce the damage done by the slowness.

Overall, though there's little that's terribly exciting or unique about it, "The Conspirator" remains an ultimately quite fascinating study on the Lincoln assassination, as well as generally compelling, stand-alone drama, thanks to the excellent production value and charismatic performances.