daniel cohen reviews Robert Redford’s latest …
Plot: Based on the true events following the Lincoln assassination, former Union war hero Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) is set with the unpopular task of defending Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), convicted of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell), her son John Surratt (Johnny Simmons), and others in a plot that also involved attempting to kill the Vice President and Secretary of State.
The first 30 minutes are pretty rough. I’m not going to lie: My eyes started to drift off a bit. Robert Redford is in the directing chair, and it seems like he was asleep as well. Thank goodness for the acting, though, which really carries the majority of this movie. However, if you can make it through the first act, this turns into a pretty solid courtroom drama, holding your interest to the very end.
When you’re talking about a story that revolves around a trial set in 1865, you know there’s going to be potential for boredom. The film begins with the re-enactment of the Lincoln Assassination, and it’s a pretty bland recreation. I know the movie isn’t really about this specific event, but Redford could have put a little more effort into this scene. It drones on for the next 15-20 minutes, and then literally a rock is thrown loudly through the window. I think this was strategically placed in the film to wake you up. After that, the actual trial begins and the movie picks up serious steam.
James McAvoy is incredible as Frederick Aiken, the lawyer who gets this case pretty much forced upon him. The country is angry as hell, and because John Surratt is missing, the government feels if they can convict his mother whose boarding house supposedly served as a meeting place for Wilkes Booth and his conspirators, the country can move on. No one wants to defend this woman. The one guy who believes she deserves a fair shake is Senator Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson). But he’s kind of a jerk bag as he pushes all this onto Aiken, who is extremely reluctant at first. There’s a good reason for Johnson not taking the case, but still, what the hell! If you believe in the cause so much, defend her yourself! McAvoy’s charisma really shines in this movie. His likability and passion, and the fact he takes this on with great risk to his own reputation is the real heart of the movie. The man is a war hero, yet prominent members of the government start to shun him.
The performances all around are very strong such as Wilkinson, Danny Huston, Robin Wright Penn, but most notably Evan Rachael Wood as Anna Surratt, the daughter. She doesn’t have a ton of scenes, but just like in 2008’s the Wrestler, she shines with what she has. Towards the end, there’s a moment with her character that really floors you. Justin Long is also crucial to the movie. Not so much his character, but he pops up every now and then just to lighten the mood a bit, which is necessary. Yea, I know. Justin Long in an 1800s legal drama …well, it worked. Alexis Bleidel is also odd casting. She’s fine here, but I still can’t get past the fact that she looks 15 years old.
If this was 30 minutes shorter, it could have been a great drama, but the beginning is just way too slow. The editing is torturous at times. There’s literally 10-15 seconds of Aiken walking to a building that just doesn’t need to be there. Wake up Redford, and edit this crap!
But the movie progresses pretty damn well, and by the last act I was totally involved, mostly because of McAvoy’s performance and his determination. Even though the directing is fairly mediocre, Redford does hit you with a couple heavy scenes. Without spoiling (although if you know your history, it’s not spoiling) the second to last scene is pretty gut wrenching.
While slow at the start, and some major lulls here and there, I’d still say this is worth checking out for the performances and a damn good second half. I’d go as far to say McAvoy gives an Oscar-caliber performance. And if you really like trial and lawyer movies, you get that intense courtroom banter and drama you crave, even with the subject matter being really old.
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Good)
this review was without flaw. i will go see this film.
The movie was good entertainment with accurate history. This is a gift! Robin Wright gave an excellent performance and that should be mentioned in all reviews. And quite frankly i can do without the language Mr Cohen. Robert Redford did a fine job of creating a historical film with a show of human weakness in any age. The acting was generally suburb and Redford did a fine job with the direction. Some of us don’t need so much action to be greatly entertained and educated at the same time.
You convinced me to go see it. Real good review