Hollywood Gathers in D.C. for “The Conspirator” Premiere

Capitol File Magazine Hosts Robert Redford and other A-list'ers

A dapper Robert Redford entered the Newseum in northwest Washington. An American flag waved digitally on a monitor over head. The sandy haired actor/director was celebrating the premiere of his new historical thriller “The Conspirator” at an after party hosted by Capitol File Magazine.

Redford directed the film largely focused on the only woman charged in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Robin Wright (Jenny in "Forrest Gump") plays Mary Surratt, who owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth and others met to plan the attack. Surratt, however, claims she’s innocent.

"It was a story no one knew about and it was tied to an event that everyone new about. That's what interested me," Redford said on the red carpet at the premiere.

The premiere was held at the iconic Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated. And though the movie was shot in Savannah, Ga., Redford said plenty of research was done to get the facts right.

"Accuracy and authenticity and detail has always been important to me, and it's very important to me in this film," he said

At least two long-time Washington-area residents who attended the premiere and after party believe researchers did their job.

“I’ve been here for 32 years. I know the history, visited battlefields. I looked for imperfections in the movie that could make me say, ‘Gotcha,’ but I couldn’t,” said Arlington businessman Thomas Culligan.

“I felt like it was history exactly how it happened. True to life,” said lifelong Virginia resident Sherie Gapriel.

Yet, who better to ask than career politico, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, who also saw the movie.

“It’s great," he said. "I think it’s very American. Somebody standing alone, fighting for justice. All the things I value."

Matthews also commented on the possible parallels between America now and then.

"Movies are always about the present,” said Matthews. “This one is about rushing judgment,” and with a laugh he added, “Karl Rove wouldn’t like it.”

To get the joke you may have to watch the movie, but Redford said everyone will have a different opinion.

"All the parallels in the film are up for reviewers, critics and filmgoers to find. They are certainly there. I didn't invent them," said Redford.

The actor doesn’t get in front of the camera for “The Conspirator,” but you will see him, front and center, on the cover of Capitol File’s next issue. The movie is already out in theatres.


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