In 1971, Stanford University’s psychologists ran a unique experiment designed to test individuals’ reactions to group dynamics within a social situation.
The scientists took a bunch of men, split them
into ‘guards’ and ‘prisoners’ and placed them in a mock penitentiary.
Each group was supposed to play out their allotted roles, but after only
a few days the scientists pulled the plug. The results were just too
shocking.
Oliver Hirschbiegel’s debut feature is a fictionalised
account of the incident. Journalist Tarek (Moritz Bleibtreu) signs up
for the experiment in the hope of getting a story. Within 36 hours, the
battle lines between prisoners and guards are drawn.
Three days
later, the group is on the verge of psychological collapse as
“subliminal violence and complete de-personalisation” set in. The
scientists are ecstatic, but are they still in control?
With its
incredibly claustrophobic atmosphere, The Experiment unflinchingly
catalogues the ease with which ordinary men become monsters and victims.
It’s harrowing viewing, with more than an echo of World War Two
concentration camps lurking behind the scenes, but to his credit
Hirschbiegel doesn’t sensationalise the action. Given the current
obsession with televised social experiments (Big Brother, Survivor),
this harrowing journey to hell and back couldn’t be more precient – or
shocking.
The movie is based on the infamous "Stanford Prison Experiment" conducted in 1971. A makeshift prison is set up in a research lab, complete with cells, bars and surveillance cameras. For two weeks 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards. The 'prisoners' are locked up and have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the 'guards' are told simply to retain order without using physical violence. Everybody is free to quit at any time, thereby forfeiting payment. In the beginning the mood between both groups is insecure and rather emphatic. But soon quarrels arise and the wardens employ ever more drastic sanctions to confirm their authority.
Watched both the original in German and the remake. After watching those movies I almost have to say "I'm ashamed to be human" Give some people to much power and they turn in to animals, no not animals but monsters. No animal would ever treat another animal like this only to show it's power. They only strike out of hunger or when they or their offspring are in danger.
I think this simply proves that anyone could be that 'monster', or develop similar qualities if put in situations like this. Remember that these people were normal before the experiment (whatever that means). Also, humans do what they're told. So, if one decides something, and he or she is deemed an authority, someone else could be seriously affected. The person's values gets suppressed by doing what's expected by the authority.
The movie is based on the infamous "Stanford Prison Experiment" conducted in 1971. A makeshift prison is set up in a research lab, complete with cells, bars and surveillance cameras. For two weeks 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards. The 'prisoners' are locked up and have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the 'guards' are told simply to retain order without using physical violence. Everybody is free to quit at any time, thereby forfeiting payment. In the beginning the mood between both groups is insecure and rather emphatic. But soon quarrels arise and the wardens employ ever more drastic sanctions to confirm their authority.
Watched both the original in German and the remake. After watching those movies I almost have to say "I'm ashamed to be human" Give some people to much power and they turn in to animals, no not animals but monsters. No animal would ever treat another animal like this only to show it's power. They only strike out of hunger or when they or their offspring are in danger.
I think this simply proves that anyone could be that 'monster', or develop similar qualities if put in situations like this. Remember that these people were normal before the experiment (whatever that means). Also, humans do what they're told. So, if one decides something, and he or she is deemed an authority, someone else could be seriously affected. The person's values gets suppressed by doing what's expected by the authority.
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