The Conspirator - 2010

American Film Company, The, Wildwood Enterprises

Directed by Robert Redford

Cast:

• Frederick Aiken – James McAvoy
• Mary Surratt – Robin Wright
• Edwin Stanton – Kevin Kline
• Anna Surratt – Evan Rachel Wood
• Reverdy Johnson – Tom Wilkinson
• Nicholas Baker – Justin Long
• Joseph Holt – Danny Huston
• William Hamilton – James Badge Dale
• David Hunter – Colm Meany
• Sarah Weston – Alexis Bledel
• John Surratt – Johnny Simmons

Story: In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt, 42, owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks. Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken, a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal, even though she and the other accused are civilians. As the trial unfolds, Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son. During the course of the trial, it becomes obvious this is a kangaroo court where the defendants will be found guilty.

Review: Produced by the American Film Company to be an accurate accounting of this historical event, there is little doubt that any fan of history will find this film compelling. This is not merely a telling of events, but a revealing look at the ability of those in power to bend the law to their will, and an indictment of the government in general. While there are some inaccuracies in the film according to historical records, the events are basically told in a straightforward and truthful fashion. James McAvoy becomes the pawn that is sacrificed during the trial, a decorated war veteran with a law degree who has no experience at law. McAvoy delivers a plausible and believable performance, as does Robin Wright as Mary Surratt, the woman who may or may not actually be guilty. Kevin Kline and Tom Wilkinson bring their formidable talents to the screen as the Secretary of War and the Senator from Maryland who is charged with Surratt's defense. While it may seem at first the appointment to defend Mary Surratt is an honor, it becomes apparent it will destroy Aiken (McAvoy's character), who at length becomes the first editor of the Washington Post. Rated PG-13 for some violent content, this is a compelling drama which should be included in the American history portion of any high school curriculum. Collectible for history buffs and fans of Redford.

The Last Castle - 2001

DreamWorks SKG, Robert Lawrence Productions

Directed by Rod Lurie

Cast:

• Lt. Gen. Eugene Irwin – Robert Redford
• Col. Winter – James Gandolfini
• Yates – Mark Ruffalo
• Capt. Peretz – Steve Burton
• Gen. Wheeler – Delroy Lindo
• Dellwo – Paul Calderon
• Cpl. Ramon Aguilar – Clifton Collins Jr.
• Beaupre – Brian Goodman
• Doc Lee Bernard – Frank Military

Story: A respected and illustrious General pleads guilty to a charge of disobeying a direct order from the President of the United States that results in the loss of several men. He is sentenced to spend ten years in “The Castle”, a military prison. The warden, Col. Winter, is a fan of sorts, and a collector of civil war memorabilia. Upon his arrival, the Gen. Irwin is escorted to the warden's office and given his initial interview. Upon being asked what he expects of his time at the prison, he answers “To do my time and go home.” The warden appears satisfied with this answer, and asks the General if he would autograph a copy of a book he wrote on military tactics. While the warden is looking for the book, he overhears the General commenting negatively on the Colonel's collection. This incident sets the tone for the remainder of the story, where the Colonel uses sadistic treatment of the men to provoke an incident to have the General removed to a different facility. But the Colonel underestimates the loyalty of the General's friends and the willingness of men who are being mistreated to rise to a higher level, once true leadership is given.

Review: Despite the setting, this movie has little to do with prisons. Rod Lurie's vision, combined with the extraordinary talents of Robert Redford and James Gandolfini, is a morality play set in the most unlikely of locations. We have a man who has risen to the height of his potential, the Colonel, who will never advance above that rank, and is bitter with his role in life. He is an administrator among soldiers who wanted to be a soldier and was instead given the task of maintaining order at a prison. That he could show leadership by helping these men to regain their self respect and dignity has escaped him, and he is content to amuse himself by creating situations which lead to the prisoners becoming the animals he believes them to be. When the General comes to his prison, he thinks he has found a kindred spirit who can appreciate his manipulation of the men. To his disappointment, he finds the General a thoughtful and honorable soldier who has chosen to accept his punishment without excuse or explanation. While the Colonel must fight to maintain control, his methods and his intellect lack humanity and understanding. The General is given control by the prisoners because of his intellect and understanding. He offers the prisoners the one thing the warden cannot, dignity. Rated R for language and violence, this film is not for everyone, and certainly not for the very young. It is, however, an essential element in the creation of a leader, and should be seen by anyone who aspires to lead.