In 1971, Stanford's Professor Philip Zimbardo conducts a controversial psychology experiment in which college students pretend to be either prisoners or guards, but the proceedings soon get out of hand. Based on a true story.
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Reviews
John Chard
7
By John Chard
Another very worthwhile production of a chilling real life experiment.
The Stanford Prison Experiment makes for compelling reading/viewing, whichever format you choose to partake in, it's science gone bonkers and has the power to chill the blood. Did we need another film version? Especially since Das Experiment (2001) is an outstanding film and clearly the one that is recommended as a first port of call on the subject?
As it is this Kyle Patrick Alvarez directed version is special as well, managing to get under the skin whilst being vivid in detail. Not just for 1971 period accuracy (clothes/social traits et al), but across the board characterisations as it's well written and performed.
Not recommended for those who may be down on the human race, or for those obviously after a good time. But good film making is worth time investment - as is eye opening of the human condition. 7/10
r96sk
7
By r96sk
I don't think they quite nailed what they were going for with this film, but I can't deny it does make for fairly uncomfortable viewing - which is the intention, I guess.
'The Stanford Prison Experiment' has a very localised and low-budget feel to it, things that arguably actually enhance the vibe of the production. The acting is up-and-down, while the run time is too long.
Billy Crudup is very good as Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while those who portray the team around him are also solid. It's when you get to the 'inmates' that the acting gets weaker, none of them are bad but they aren't on the same level as Crudup & Co. - despite some familiar faces, including a few from 'The Walking Dead' world. Michael Angarano as "John Wayne", however, deserves praise.
It took me a little while to connect to the story, it gets a tad iffy when it's setting everything up though soon finds proper ground in the middle act before ending kinda slowly; this didn't need to be 122 minutes.
Would I recommend this? Yes. It's worth a watch. Perhaps could've been greater though.
