The Conspirator

A must see. Go see it!

If you don't know much about Lincoln's assassination-don't worry. I wouldn't even look it up, just go see the movie and then satisfy further curiosity afterwards.

The fiance and I went to see this film with his parents (a compromise between a chick flick and a cartoon and an action flick). We all enjoy history and while my future dad-in-law thought the movie might be "old news" about the escape attempts and capture of the assassins, we were pleasantly surprised by a different take on the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination. 

The film does capture the assassination and the assassins' capture and escape attempts-but the film's main focus is the plight of a young lawyer called upon to defend Mary Surratt. James McAvoy portrays Frederick Aiken, a young soldier returned from the war to work as a lawyer, and does a wonderful job. Robin Wright is glorious as Mary Surratt. Her performance catapults the audience into the shoes of Aiken and the tumult of emotions and suspicion during Surratt's trial. 

The film captures Aiken's struggles against his own convictions as a Yankee soldier defending an accused Confederate conspirator and also examines the political maelstrom following the assassination of President Lincoln. As someone who doesn't know much about this point in history, I found it fascinating and remarkable that Surratt's story hasn't seen much light until now. Even my future father-in-law who has extensive Civil War knowledge was impressed by the film. 

I was a little put off by the modernized English used in the film, but in the end I came to appreciate it. While it does alter the realism of the film I think too much would've been lost with the use of that era's verbage. Overall I very much enjoyed the settings, costumes, and cast-Tom Wilkinson and Kevin Kline didn't let me down and Danny Huston did what he does best-make me resent him (he was utterly creepy in "30 Days of Night"). I've been and continue to be disenchanted with Alexis Bledel-but others might enjoy seeing her. Another enjoyable sight was Justin Long-always entertaining and I hope to see him in more serious films in the future. 

My biggest props go to James McAvoy and Robin Wright. While I watched their acting I forgot everything else except their characters' plights and that's what good actors do!

Also can't forget Robert Redford-snaps, my man! Good film!

In other news: I've had a relapse and am looking into altering my antidepressants-never a fun time! Iroh is starting to wrinkle noses with his spit-covered neck from Millie's attacks and Millie herself was performing some impressive acrobatics in pursuit of a large fly. We all enjoyed a nap in the sun this morning and I got to eat "Cars"-themed Mac n Cheese while watching "Cars" for lunch. Delightful and delectable.