Lincoln
In 1865, as the American Civil War winds inexorably toward conclusion, U.S. president Abraham Lincoln endeavors to achieve passage of the landmark constitutional amendment which will forever ban slavery from the United States. However, his task is a race against time, for peace may come at any time, and if it comes before the amendment is passed, the returning southern states will stop it before it can become law. Lincoln must, by almost any means possible, obtain enough votes from a recalcitrant Congress before peace arrives and it is too late. Yet the president is torn, as an early peace would save thousands of lives. As the nation confronts its conscience over the freedom of its entire population, Lincoln faces his own crisis of conscience -- end slavery or end the war.
Despite a moderate budget of $65.0M, Lincoln became a commercial success, earning $275.3M worldwide—a 324% return.
2 Oscars. 107 wins & 251 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Lincoln (2012) exhibits meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Steven Spielberg's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 30 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 3.9, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 3 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Black Union soldiers recite the Gettysburg Address to Lincoln in a muddy battlefield camp. War-weary America, slavery still legal, victory uncertain. Lincoln listens, burdened by the weight of leadership.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when Lincoln learns Confederate peace commissioners are en route to Washington. If they arrive before the vote, moderate Republicans will abandon the amendment to end the war. The clock starts ticking.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 69 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 46% of the runtime—arriving early, accelerating into Act IIb complications. Notably, this crucial beat False defeat: Confederate peace commissioners arrive in Virginia. Republican moderates discover their presence and threaten to abandon the amendment vote. Lincoln's careful plan appears to unravel. He must choose between peace and the amendment., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (68% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lincoln is accused on the House floor of lying about the peace commissioners. His moral authority—his greatest weapon—is publicly questioned. He faces potential humiliation and defeat. The whiff of death: his reputation and the cause he's sacrificed everything for., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 107 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 71% of the runtime. The House vote on the 13th Amendment. Thaddeus Stevens delivers a moderate speech despite his radical beliefs, embodying the theme. Votes are called one by one. Tension builds as Democrats break ranks. The amendment passes 119-56. Two votes to spare. Applause and tears., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Lincoln's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Lincoln against these established plot points, we can identify how Steven Spielberg utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Lincoln within the biography genre.
Steven Spielberg's Structural Approach
Among the 33 Steven Spielberg films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 5.8, showcasing experimental approaches to narrative form. Lincoln takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Steven Spielberg filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Steven Spielberg analyses, see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1941 and West Side Story.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Black Union soldiers recite the Gettysburg Address to Lincoln in a muddy battlefield camp. War-weary America, slavery still legal, victory uncertain. Lincoln listens, burdened by the weight of leadership.
Theme
Thaddeus Stevens states: "The greatest measure of the 19th century, passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America." The moral paradox: achieving noble ends through questionable means.
Worldbuilding
January 1865. Lincoln navigates family tensions with Mary Todd and son Robert. Cabinet debates whether to pursue peace negotiations with Confederacy or the 13th Amendment. Lincoln faces impossible choice: end war quickly or end slavery permanently.
Disruption
Lincoln learns Confederate peace commissioners are en route to Washington. If they arrive before the vote, moderate Republicans will abandon the amendment to end the war. The clock starts ticking.
Resistance
Lincoln debates strategy with cabinet and advisors. Secretary of State Seward suggests hiring lobbyists to bribe lame-duck Democrats. Lincoln wrestles with the morality but recognizes political reality. He needs 20 Democratic votes.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Political maneuvering in full swing. Lobbyists Bilbo, Schell, and Latham work to flip Democratic votes through jobs and favors. Lincoln balances public idealism with backroom deals, tells stories to deflect hard questions, manages his fractured family.
Midpoint
False defeat: Confederate peace commissioners arrive in Virginia. Republican moderates discover their presence and threaten to abandon the amendment vote. Lincoln's careful plan appears to unravel. He must choose between peace and the amendment.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies from all sides. Mary Todd fears losing another son if Robert joins the army. Conservative Republicans demand Lincoln meet the commissioners. Democrats smell weakness. Lincoln sends ambiguous telegram delaying commissioners while insisting vote proceeds.
Collapse
Lincoln is accused on the House floor of lying about the peace commissioners. His moral authority—his greatest weapon—is publicly questioned. He faces potential humiliation and defeat. The whiff of death: his reputation and the cause he's sacrificed everything for.
Crisis
Dark night before the vote. Lincoln sits alone with the weight of his deceptions. He's compromised his principles, endangered his marriage, and risked his legacy. He questions whether the ends truly justify the means. Quiet moment of moral reckoning.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The House vote on the 13th Amendment. Thaddeus Stevens delivers a moderate speech despite his radical beliefs, embodying the theme. Votes are called one by one. Tension builds as Democrats break ranks. The amendment passes 119-56. Two votes to spare. Applause and tears.