The Conspirator
The Conspirator Image
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Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Conspirator" is a period drama based on true events following the assassination of President Lincoln. Mary Surratt is the only woman among a group charged with conspiring to kill the president. Frederick Aiken is an idealistic young war hero who reluctantly defends Surratt and in the process comes to believe she is innocent. (Roadside Attractions)

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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 37
  3. Negative: 3 out of 37
  1. New York Observer
    Reviewed by: Rex Reed
    Apr 12, 2011
    100
    No matter where your political leanings lie, the great thing about The Conspirator is that Mr. Redford is wise enough to let the audience decide what the parallels are. See it, enjoy a ripping good yarn and learn something.
  2. Arizona Republic
    Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    Apr 14, 2011
    80
    The cast is uniformly outstanding, a pleasure to watch. It's a more toned-down role for the often-fiery McAvoy, and it suits him.
  3. NPR
    Reviewed by: Mark Jenkins
    Apr 15, 2011
    60
    Historical records being what they are, the filmmakers are forced to speculate about certain things, but where facts are known they generally adhere to them.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Nick Pinkerton
    Apr 12, 2011
    30
    The film is a burdensome two hours.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Bhawk
    9
    I saw this film five days ago and I'm still haunted by the quiet power of this engaging film. Redford's careful and patient direction magically allows the film to take its time without ever feeling boring or stale. James McAvoy continues to grow into a passionate lead actor and Robin Wright should immediately jump to the top of a short list for a potential Best Supporting Actress nomination for this understated performance. However, the REAL star of this gorgeous looking film is Newton Thomas Sigel for his amazing cinematography which should garner him his first Oscar nomination for his work here.I don't know how he did it, but the muted colors, simulated natural lighting, and fluid camera movement gives the impeccably detailed sets, costumes, and make-up an uncanny look of historical realism that has lingered in my mind for days now. This is one that I look forward to seeing see a second time, and will be buying for my collection once it comes out on Blu-Rayâ… Expand
  2. beelzie14
    8
    Good film - slow burner but I thought that the pacing was spot on for what is an historical period drama. I never even knew about the intrigue behind Lincoln's assassination so this was a learning experience for me. Great to see Robin Wright Penn and Toby Kebbell in a film again - great, undervalued actors of the current film generation.
    Highly recommended.    … Expand
  3. nutterjr
    7
    An "I could not care less" storyline associated with Lincoln's assassination, turns out to be a powerful drama with some notable performances from Robin Wright and James McAvoy.… Expand
  4. BamaFalstaff
    4
    "The Conspirator" is based on a fantastic story story; however, sadly this fantastic story is warped by an insufficient script, a mostly lackluster cast, and spotty direction.… Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

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