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Stanford Prison Experiment (The)
- Director: Kyle Patrick Alvarez
- Writer: P.W. Hopsidor; Tim Talbott
- Producer: Lauren Bratman; Laurence Ducceschi
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It's almost de rigueur that, ever few years, some other version of the now notorious experiment will pop up...whether it be on TV or, in this case, film.
The third feature from Kyle Patrick Alvarez - one that sees him cast off his auteur mantle...good call.
It has won a few awards...most notably @ Sundance and Edinburgh. No-one could say that this is an enjoyable watch...but, everyone will vent their - tuppence-worth - opinions on the morality, savagery and the innate corruption found in the human condition. Sounds bleak doesn't it? This is Lord of the Flies with pubic hair!
Apologies for that...be we had to lighten the tone!
As with all ensemble pieces...there are actors and characters who shine and there are those who don't...this 'experiment' has, perhaps, a few too many who don't...but, those who do...do!
Blessed is the story that detracts the attention away from those weaknesses...Alvarez keeps the pace and tension going...there are a few trips and stumbles...but, it is engrossing to watch the tyranny unfold as the trickle of revolt starts to flow...
All that Zimbardo's experiment proved: in just six days, humanity falls apart. What would have happened on the seventh day?!?
By the end of the film, the only question you'll be asking yourself (and others)...when would I/you throw in the towel? Well, that all depends on which side of the cage you found yourself!
Intriguing stuff...done competently.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Twenty-four male students out of seventy-five were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building.
Cast & Characters
Billy Crudup as Dr. Philip Zimbardo;
Michael Angarano as Christopher Archer;
Moises Arias as Anthony Carroll;
Nicholas Braun as Karl Vandy;
Gaius Charles as Paul Vogel;
Keir Gilchrist as John Lovett;
Ki Hong Lee as Gavin Lee / 4301;
Thomas Mann as Prisoner 416;
Ezra Miller as Daniel Culp / 8612;
Logan Miller as Jerry Sherman / 5486;
Tye Sheridan as Peter Mitchell / 819;
Johnny Simmons as Jeff Jansen / 1037;
James Wolk as Mike Penny;
Nelsan Ellis as Jesse Fletcher;
Olivia Thirlby as Dr. Christina Maslach