In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt, 42, owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth, 26, and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks.

Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken, a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son, John. As the nation turns against her, Surratt is forced to rely on Aiken to uncover the truth and save her life.

What is the budget of The Conspirator?

The Conspirator, directed by Robert Redford, offers a gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history. Released on April 15, 2011, the film stars James McAvoy, Robin Wright, and Kevin Kline, bringing to life the story of Mary Surratt, the only woman charged in the conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. With a production budget of $25 million, the financial aspects of this historical drama are as compelling as its narrative.

What was the production budget?

The Conspirator had a production budget of $25,000,000. This figure places it within a moderate range for historical dramas, especially those that tackle significant events and complex characters. Compared to similar films in the genre, such as "Lincoln" (2012) with a budget of around $65 million, The Conspirator's budget reflects a more restrained financial commitment, likely due to its focus on character-driven storytelling rather than extensive special effects.

Key Budget Allocation Categories

While specific breakdowns of budget allocation are not publicly available, typical costs for films like The Conspirator often include:

- Talent: Salaries for the cast and crew, particularly for well-known actors like Robin Wright and James McAvoy.

- Locations: Filming in historically significant sites, which can be costly.

- Production Design: Creating an authentic post-Civil War atmosphere.

What were the major production costs?

Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of The Conspirator. Notable expenses likely included:

- Location Filming: Authentic settings in Washington, D.C., would have required significant investment.

- Costumes and Set Design: Accurately depicting the 1860s demanded high-quality costumes and detailed set designs.

- Talent: The involvement of acclaimed actors and a skilled production team would have driven up costs.

Challenges during production may have arisen from the need to balance historical accuracy with budget constraints, potentially leading to adjustments in the final costs.

How did The Conspirator perform at the box office?

The Conspirator earned a total of $15,907,411 worldwide, with $11,538,204 coming from the domestic box office. This performance indicates that the film did not reach its break-even point, which is typically estimated to be about double the production budget when considering marketing and distribution costs.

Break-even Point Analysis

To break even, The Conspirator would have needed to earn approximately $50 million. With its total earnings falling short, the film did not achieve profitability.

ROI Percentage

Calculating the return on investment (ROI) reveals a challenging financial outcome. With a production budget of $25 million and total earnings of approximately $15.9 million, the ROI percentage is negative, indicating a loss rather than profit.

Was The Conspirator profitable?

The financial results suggest that The Conspirator was not profitable. The film's box office earnings did not cover its production costs, leading to a financial loss for the studio. This outcome may have influenced future projects, as studios often reassess budget allocations for historical dramas based on past performances.

Impact on the Studio and Future Budgets

The lack of profitability could have repercussions for the studio involved, The American Film Co. and Wildwood Enterprises. It may lead to more cautious budgeting for similar projects in the future, as studios analyze the financial viability of historical narratives.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much did The Conspirator cost to make?

The Conspirator had a production cost of $25,000,000.

Was The Conspirator profitable?

No, The Conspirator was not profitable, as its box office earnings did not cover its production costs.

What was the most expensive element of The Conspirator?

While specific figures are not disclosed, major costs likely stemmed from talent salaries and location filming.

How much did The Conspirator make at the box office?

The Conspirator earned approximately $15,907,411 worldwide.

Did The Conspirator go over budget?

There is no public information indicating that The Conspirator went over budget, but challenges in production could have influenced final costs.

In summary, The Conspirator's budget and box office performance highlight the financial risks associated with historical dramas. Despite its compelling narrative and strong performances, the film struggled to achieve financial success, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry.