The Experiment
– Das Experiment is a shocking psycho thriller about the potential for brutality that humans hide. Eve..
Das Experiment is a shocking psycho thriller about the potential for brutality that humans hide. Even more shocking is the fact that it’s based on an actual occurrence—a 1971 psychological experiment at Stanford University that was aborted prematurely when the experimenters lost control.
08 Mar 2001
German, English
Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
Oliver Hirschbiegel
Mario Giordano (novel), Mario Giordano (screenplay), Christoph Darnstädt (screenplay), Don Bohlinger (screenplay)
Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski, Wotan Wilke Möhring
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.
14 wins & 13 nominations.
Samuel Goldwyn Films