JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Das Experiment (2001)
Das Experiment
US DVD Cover- Couldnt find the R4 Cover
Writer:Mario Giordano
Starring:Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver StoKowski, Stephan Szasz, Danny Richter
Test subjects wanted. Earn 4000 marks for a 14-day experiment in a simulated prison.- Tarek
Before German Director Oliver Hirschbiegel braved to paint Hitler’s demise through human eyes in his film Downfall, he unleashed this recreation of another taboo piece of recent European history.
Based on the controversial 1971 "Stanford Prison Experiment", 20 volunteers are selected and paid to live in an artificial captivity. 8 shy, anti social introverts are relegated to being guards for the duration of 2 weeks. 12 Confident, cocky, strong spirited volunteers are locked in cells and must live in cages for the 14 days.
What unfolds is a hybrid of Lord Of The Flies and The Cube. In the name of human psychology, we watch man reduced from an intelligent, social creature to a violent, fearful animal.
The outside world is forgotten and soon a new value system and warped morality emerge, the social order is inverted. As the male ego and territoriality take hold, the guards begin to abuse their new perceived power, while the prisoners of course unite.
John Doe says:(8/10)
It’s subject matter that has been explored before, not often with such quality results.
Directed with a controlled hand what could have at several stages become a complete mess is pulled together to deliver a punch.
Intelligent and thought provoking Das Experiment is stimulating viewing. Sure it's nothing new and the love story sub plot is unnecessary, but it’s done with flair and delivers its inevitable conclusion with a taut finale.
The script is tight and well researched, the down n dirty cinematography with multiple lens’, ups the tension. Starring Moritz Blieibtreu (Run Lola Run), all the cast cut loose and transform before our eyes.
I’m really drawn to stories of real life human guinea pigs, it’s a fascinating reversal that highlights the contradiction of supposedly civilized man. When social restraints are removed violence and intimidation are chosen over discussion and rationale debate, repeatedly .
In reality the experiment had to be stopped after only 6 days because of the degrading psychology of the volunteers. The movie basically takes the data compiled and speculates on where it would all have ended, had convicts and their captors continued to role play.
The official stanford prison experiment site is located here
A scathing study of the criminal rehabilation system and why at its core it will never succeed. Another quality foreign thriller, that deserves much more notice. Of course the US are in the process of remaking it, but hey when is that ever successful?
The DVD:
Presented in Widescreen with a 5.1 audio, you can choose between german and English. Included is also an entertaining making of doco and informative cast and crew info. Sadly no expose' on the real events or comparisons between fact and fiction.
"I dont remember Cool hand Luke being like this"
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But the idea is fascinating, and it was interesting to see it done in German...
Film & TV on DVD
As I said, its not a perfect film but Either way I found it head and shoulders above most US thrillers of the last 5 years.
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Philosophy Blog
I remember thinking... would the movie have worked that well, or the experiment that badly, if you didn't have two characters who are up each others' arses (one wanting to assert authority, the other wanting ti provoke it)?
Film & TV on DVD
Certainly in bunch of strangers the more assertive always try to draw attention and the shy tend to find some sense of comfort in a quiet corner. Especially if they are forced to share living space.
Stands to reason when the dynamic is switched, the meek suddenly have power for the first time, strong willed suddenly have to follow orders, conflict and fear arises. As we know when the male ego feels threatened, violence is not far away.
After all we have the gift of free thought and communication yet still manage to think war is better than talk.
Film & TV on DVD
Your right, the film isnt perfect. Somethings are muddled and others simplified, but its still an entertaining watch that engages the mind.
Hope you enjoy it.