Review of The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) by Rob R — 18 Sep 2016

This is the chilling true story of the notorious experiment conducted by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo in the basement of Jordan Hall at the University of Stanford in 1971. Zimbardo, who worked on the film as a consultant, gave filmmakers the accurate portrayal of the unforgettable experiment, and they took that information and turned it into an uncomfortably great film with exceptional camera work and strong acting all around.

Not just strong acting, phenomenal acting collectively. Especially by Billy Crudup (Professor Zimbardo), Ezra Miller (Prisoner), and Michael Angarano (Guard). In August of 1971, Professor Zimbardo selected 15 male students, at 15 dollars a day, to participate in a prison simulation, half of them were selected as guards and the other half as prisoners.

What transpired next makes you really think about what you would do in that situation? It's a film you'll discuss long after it's over because of the psychological questions that the experiment raises.

Or if you're not looking to think really hard, it's a structurally well-made film that is both interesting and entertaining. A-.