The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)

In 1971, twenty-four male students are selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building.

Director:

Kyle Patrick Alvarez

Writers:

Tim Talbott, Philip Zimbardo (based on the book "The Lucifer Effect")

Stars:

Ezra Miller, Tye Sheridan, Billy Crudup

4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Crudup	...	Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Michael Angarano	...	Christopher Archer
Moises Arias	...	Anthony Carroll
Nicholas Braun	...	Karl Vandy
Gaius Charles	...	Paul Vogel
Keir Gilchrist	...	John Lovett
Ki Hong Lee	...	Gavin Lee / 3401
Thomas Mann	...	Prisoner 416
Ezra Miller	...	Daniel Culp / 8612
Logan Miller	...	Jerry Sherman / 5486
Tye Sheridan	...	Peter Mitchell / 819
Johnny Simmons	...	Jeff Jansen / 1037
James Wolk	...	Mike Penny
Nelsan Ellis	...	Jesse Fletcher
Olivia Thirlby	...	Dr. Christina Maslach

Storyline

In 1971, twenty-four male students are selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building.

---

Plot Keywords:

prisoner | guard | prison | psychology | university | 

---

Taglines:

They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including abusive behavior and some sexual references

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although never mentioned in the movie, the real life experiment was funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research and was of interest to both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as an investigation into the causes of conflict between military guards and prisoners.

---

Goofs

A guard incorrectly attributes the now instantly recognizable walk of the Frankenstein Monster to his first appearance in the 1931 film Frankenstein. The Monster didn't walk with his arms outstretched in front of him until Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man over a decade later. This is a common mistake.

---

Quotes

Daniel Culp: Don't eat that shit.

---

Connections

References Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

User Reviews

Prison...Indeed

Okay - lets be honest here. Its not extremely difficult to make a film portraying a psychological experiment that was well documented and captured on film.

This film as more of a reenactment - just so you are aware.

Ezra Miller continues to shine as a prison subject in this movie. With the upcoming Justice League Films, and Miller portraying The Flash, its nice to see his work outside that to get more comfortable with his upcoming performance.

So - as the film title states, this a recalling of a social experiment gone a little too far, and had to be stopped early for reason I will not spoil.

The true nature of human empowerment is truly devastating to witness.

If you have time, see this tense thriller. It will however, raise as many questions as it answers.

A great thinking movie. Please don't forget to check out the source material on this study during, or after the movie.

Very interesting, very disturbing, and very enlightening.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 July 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Stanford Prison Experiment Project

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$37,514, 19 July 2015

Gross USA:

$660,561

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$663,114

Company Credits

Production Co:

Coup d'Etat Films, Sandbar Pictures, Abandon Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1