The Conspirator

The Conspirator

Year: 2011

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Budget: $25M

Drama

In the aftermath of President Lincoln's assassination, idealistic lawyer Frederick Aiken takes on the challenging case of Mary Surratt, a woman accused of involvement in the conspiracy. As Aiken investigates, he navigates a web of political turmoil and personal risk, uncovering layers of deception and questioning the true extent of Surratt's guilt. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of a nation grappling with tragedy.

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Timeline & Setting – The Conspirator (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Conspirator (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

April 14, 1865

The events of the movie take place shortly after the Civil War, a tumultuous period marked by division and conflict in the United States. April 14, 1865, is particularly significant as it is the date of Lincoln's assassination, which would have profound implications for the nation. This time is associated with both jubilation over the war's conclusion and the tragic loss of a pivotal leader.

Location

Ford's Theater, Washington D.C.

Ford's Theater is a historic site in Washington D.C. known for being the location of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. It was a prominent site for theatrical performances and is now a museum dedicated to Lincoln's legacy. The theater played a pivotal role in American history, marking the end of an era following Lincoln's death.

🏛️ Historical 🎭 Theater 🔥 Location of the Assassination

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Main Characters – The Conspirator (2011)

Meet the key characters of The Conspirator (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frederick Aiken

Frederick Aiken is a dedicated lawyer and Union veteran who finds himself embroiled in the legal battle surrounding Mary Surratt. His character is marked by a sense of duty and moral complexity, as he seeks justice while navigating intense public scrutiny. Aiken's transformation from a celebratory atmosphere to a crusader for truth highlights his deep commitment to fairness despite personal sacrifices.

⚖️ Lawyer 🎖️ Veteran 💔 Determined

Mary Surratt

Mary Surratt is portrayed as a tragic figure accused of conspiracy in the assassination of President Lincoln. A mother devoted to her family, her character embodies both vulnerability and resilience as she grapples with the dire consequences of her son's actions. Mary's plea for her innocence illustrates the struggles faced by women caught in the crossfire of political turmoil.

👩‍⚖️ Accused 💔 Maternal 😔 Vulnerable

William Thomas Hamilton

William Thomas Hamilton serves as one of Aiken's closest allies, embodying the ties that bind the characters amidst political unrest. His role highlights the camaraderie and support accorded to Aiken as they navigate the tumultuous waters following the assassination. Hamilton's presence emphasizes the gravity of the situation as friends become allies in the search for justice.

🤝 Ally 🕵️‍♂️ Supportive ⚔️ Loyal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Major Themes – The Conspirator (2011)

Explore the central themes of The Conspirator (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice resonates throughout the film, as it explores the legal repercussions following Lincoln's assassination. The struggle against bias and the quest for a fair trial for Mary Surratt illustrate the complexities of justice in a politically charged atmosphere. Aiken's determination to seek the truth highlights the moral dilemmas faced when legal systems are at odds with public sentiment.

💔 Loss

Loss is a central theme in the movie, illustrated through the sudden death of President Lincoln and its aftermath. The characters grapple with their grief and the vacuum left in the nation's leadership. Aiken and other characters experience personal losses, from relationships to reputations, as the unfolding tragedy shakes the very foundation of their lives.

🔍 Conspiracy

The theme of conspiracy runs deeply in this historical narrative, revealing the intertwined fates of characters connected to the assassination plot. The investigation into Mary Surratt's alleged involvement uncovers layers of deception and hidden motives. Aiken's journey reflects the pursuit of truth amidst a backdrop of suspicion and intrigue regarding the events that transpired.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

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Legal Dramas After National Trauma like The Conspirator

When a nation seeks justice, one lawyer must defend the undefendable.For viewers who appreciate movies like The Conspirator, this collection features courtroom dramas set in the aftermath of profound national tragedies. These films explore the tension between the rule of law and public sentiment, often focusing on a single lawyer's difficult fight for justice against overwhelming political forces.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a legal professional, often an idealist, who is thrust into defending a controversial figure accused of involvement in a catastrophic national event. The journey involves uncovering difficult truths, facing public scorn, and grappling with the question of whether true justice can be served when emotions are running high, often culminating in a bittersweet or morally ambiguous conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a specific setting and conflict: a courtroom under the shadow of a recent, large-scale tragedy. They are united by a heavy emotional weight, a tense tone driven by political anxiety, and a central theme questioning the integrity of justice systems under extreme duress.

Somber Historical Investigations like The Conspirator

Uncovering difficult truths in the shadow of a pivotal historical event.If you liked the investigative and moral gravity of The Conspirator, this list features movies that share its somber, gripping approach to history. These films follow characters uncovering the truth behind significant events, often facing personal risk and ethical dilemmas, all set against a backdrop of national trauma or political upheaval.

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Narrative Summary

The plot centers on a methodical investigation into a well-known historical event, focusing on a key figure or a lesser-known angle. The protagonist, often an outsider or a reluctant participant, peels back layers of official narratives to confront uncomfortable truths about guilt, complicity, and the messy realities of justice, leading to a conclusion that is more thought-provoking than triumphant.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their shared vibe: a somber, serious tone applied to a historical investigation. They connect through a steady pacing that allows for deep immersion, a high level of intensity from the high-stakes subject matter, and a consistently heavy emotional weight that deals with themes of truth, betrayal, and legacy.

Unlock the Full Story of The Conspirator

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Conspirator in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Conspirator is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Conspirator Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Conspirator, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Conspirator Summary

The Conspirator Timeline

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The Conspirator Timeline

The Conspirator Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Conspirator Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Conspirator

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