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.

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Plot Keywords:

prisoner | guard | prison | psychology | university | 

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Taglines:

They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including abusive behavior and some sexual references

Did You Know?

Trivia

Billy Crudup and Michael Angarano were both in Almost Famous (2000).

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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.

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Quotes

Daniel Culp: I know you're a nice guy.
Christopher Archer: So why do you hate me?
Daniel Culp: Because I know what you can become.

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Connections

Referenced in Everything Wrong with...: Everything Wrong With Midsommar In Bearskin Minutes (2020)

User Reviews

Disturbing reality

This movie is one of the most shocking things I've seen and it's all because it's a true story of a so called scientist that has lost his humane side and enjoyed conducting a psychologically damaging experiment. The lack of control on the guards shows that Dr.Philip was fascinated by the horror and cruelty human kind can create even in a simulation. The fact that he chose an ex-prisoner as a consultant shows that this experiment lacks all credibility because the ex-prisoner wanted to subject his negative experience on innocent students. A chilling movie until the last seconds!!!!

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