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The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
2015 | Biography, Drama, History
Interesting adaptation of the notorious experiment
Along with the Milgram Experiment (1961) the Stanford Prison Experiment (1971) has been widely discussed. Both attempted to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and its effect on the human psyche. The SPE focused on the struggle between prisoners and prison officers. The randomly chosen participants were university students who agreed to take part in the two week experiment (in a prison recreated under the university itself). Of course things take a turn for the worst when the guards revel in their power and push the prisoners beyond their limits in the name of scientific research. The experiment lasted only six days before psychology professor Philip Zimbardo pulled the plug on the whole sorry mess.
The film is mostly faithful ,offering a lean, straight to the point account of the events. No boring or irrelevant subplots going on. The actors are convincing and appear to relish their roles (maybe a sense of irony on the directors behalf..?). A good solid adaptation. Recommended.

Note: Footage from both the actual Milgram and SPE Experiments are available over the internet to watch (including youtube)