Robert Redford goes further and further in political correctness

Garnett 2022-03-23 09:03:22

The resentment after watching this film was confirmed after the discovery of Robert Redford's name. This film is similar to his previous "The Sheep in the Lion's Mouth", a film about right and wrong that cannot be changed at any time. The main theme of the film is the standpoint of the common law system, that is, the natural rights and the separation of powers. This is the basic truth that all Anglo-American countries and regions know. If this is a film made by a Chinese director, I can also say that he is full of revolutionary - at least so to speak. But this is an English movie, so this is what we often call a theme movie.
Everyone knows this kind of truth. It's like writing a book on how to learn Chinese for the Chinese. Then, with a single word of truth, can that cover up the mess, length, and thinness of the entire movie?
Of course not, the film is full of loopholes, lack of heart, straightforward, no sense of rhythm.
One of the main problems is
that mothers and
mothers have inconsistent personalities. She starts out as a strong, down-to-earth woman. But later in the trial stage, she showed rare selfishness on some issues. On the one hand, she is eager to protect her son, but on the other hand, she hopes that she can win. Is this desire in character? She knew the government wanted the one between her and her son. Faced with the choice to protect her son, she had to give up on herself. She should have given up her defense.
Not to mention, the actor's appearance: a paranoid ignorant woman resembling a cult. This simply does not fit the gritty image of a mother who is determined to protect her son.
2. The protagonist's teacher The
protagonist was forced to join the case because of his teacher full of democratic aura. But at the end of the film, the democratic halo fades away, and the teacher just said, "I still have business to deal with somewhere." What does this mean? Is he trying to throw a burden on his students? This before-and-after contrast is mind-boggling. It's more like a hasty explanation from the screenwriter.
The mother's daughter
The girl's character is also lack of continuity. In front of her, she looked like a determined woman who endured hatred from all sides, but when she stood in court, she immediately became a wounded bird who didn't know where to go. Uneasy because her mother was blocked by soldiers. God, she hasn't seen her mother in a long time, does it take time to show it?
This kind of inconsistency of the actors and the confusion of the character creation all come from the level of the director. Robert Redford seems to have a lot to say to the audience every time, but it's so messy and nagging.


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Extended Reading

The Conspirator quotes

  • Reverdy Johnson: Could somebody bring me the transcript of today's trial?

    Edwin Stanton: Shall I read it aloud to you?

    [brings transcript over]

    Reverdy Johnson: Oh, Ed.

    Edwin Stanton: Your young associate is putting up a spirited defense. Reminds me of a certain lawyer I had to face 25 years ago.

    Reverdy Johnson: Ah, he learned to fight in your army. Can I get you a drink?

    Edwin Stanton: No, no. No. I won't be staying long. Reverdy... You've done so much for this nation as any man I know.

    Reverdy Johnson: Oh. Feeling's mutual, Ed.

    Edwin Stanton: Don't you think it's time for us two old war horses to call a truce?

    Reverdy Johnson: Not if you insist on staging this travesty.

    Edwin Stanton: This trial will do more to keep the peace than any paper treaty could.

    Reverdy Johnson: Heh. How'd you convince yourself of that?

    Edwin Stanton: Because justice, swift and firm will help deter the South from ever conspiring again, as well as discouraging the North from seeking revenge.

    Reverdy Johnson: What about the rule of law?

    Edwin Stanton: My first responsibility is to ensure that this war stays won.

    Reverdy Johnson: Oh, and this is how you do it, by keeping fear alive as long as you see fit?

    [shows headlines and stories in a newspaper]

    Reverdy Johnson: Look. "Stanton warns of future rebel plots", water supplies poisoned, firebombing cities, yellow fever spreading all over the place. This is a frightening country, Ed. And you don't need to scare us anymore.

    Edwin Stanton: And who is to say that none of these things could happen? The unspeakable already has- Our president assassinated, 600,000 dead. The world has changed, Reverdy.

    Reverdy Johnson: Abandoning the Constitution is not the answer.

    Edwin Stanton: You may prefer dining alone. I just hope your young associate does as well. If he pushes too hard, he will make enemies who will not soon forget. On this, you know I'm right.

  • Frederick Aiken: Sarah. Sarah, where are you going?

    Sarah Weston: Conduct unbecoming.

    Frederick Aiken: I'm sorry about the party.

    Sarah Weston: You think I care about the party?

    Frederick Aiken: Please. Everything will be all right. I promise you.

    Sarah Weston: You are just like that woman, ready to go to the gallows for the most pointless cause. People do get left behind when you do that.

    Frederick Aiken: I can't ignore what's going on in that courtroom.

    Sarah Weston: But you can ignore me, us?

    Frederick Aiken: I didn't say that. Please, I have to do this.

    Sarah Weston: Do you? I find your devotion to this frightening. I waited such a long time for you.

    Frederick Aiken: I'm so sorry. I know. But I'm back now.

    Sarah Weston: No, you're not.

    Frederick Aiken: I am. I-ple -

    [Sarah gets on the carriage]

    Frederick Aiken: Sarah, please, will you just - We have to - we have to talk about this.

    Sarah Weston: Fred, I love you. I - I wish I could do this. I just-I can't. I just can't.

    Frederick Aiken: Wait. Let me see you at home at least.

    [looks back for Edwin]

    Frederick Aiken: Please wait.