Well made films about great events of the past are always commentaries on the present - it is why the writers write the scripts and the directors direct. This is no different. After 9/11 many rights have been stripped from Americans (and Europeans) who seem hardly to have noticed. This film shows how politicians tinker with justice for their own ends and also shows how important it is for people to hazard their own reputation to sustain the truth.
A tightly constructed story that holds you until the inevitable end, and beyond. You will see why if you watch until the credits.
James McAvoy is excellent as the Northern Captain retained to represent Mary Surratt, whom he and everyone else believed was guilty of conspiracy. Gradually he comes to question that view even though he comes under intense pressure. The manoeuvring of the politicians of the time is understandable, but has little to do with justice.
Robin Wright Penn is excellent as the owner of the boarding house, Mary Surratt, where the plot to assassinate Lincoln was hatched.
A tightly constructed story that holds you until the inevitable end, and beyond. You will see why if you watch until the credits.
James McAvoy is excellent as the Northern Captain retained to represent Mary Surratt, whom he and everyone else believed was guilty of conspiracy. Gradually he comes to question that view even though he comes under intense pressure. The manoeuvring of the politicians of the time is understandable, but has little to do with justice.
Robin Wright Penn is excellent as the owner of the boarding house, Mary Surratt, where the plot to assassinate Lincoln was hatched.