source: The Stanford Prison Experiment

A fictional account of a true psychology experiment - this provides a very tense and disturbing account of the way in which human beings can adapt to their circumstances and become a different (or perhaps real) version of themselves. After only one day all participants have adjusted to their new roles and those running the experiment have become part of it. The film demonstrates how rapidly we can become the worst of ourselves with little provocation but when told we have total power or complete lack of it.

Awful film boring turned it off after 48 minutes worst film I have ever seen dont think I have ever turned a film of that early before

This is not a review - it's a question: how does this movie compare to the brilliant 2001 German film "Das Experiment", which was based on the same Stanford role-playing research? That was a very disturbing and horrifying movie and I can't imagine anything surpassing it - which is why I'd appreciate your feedback comparing these two films.

A simulation of a simulation, as anyone who's ever googled 'psychological experiments' is aware this dramatization covers the design and implementation of the mock prison experiment that proved people become abstracted through their social roles. The film captures a disturbing mood that's suggested in the reports, conveying both internal and external struggle of the subjects through intense facial close-ups, using the confined space of the set to convey back- breaking claustrophobia.Significance of the study aside I thought there was an interesting overlap with social theory ranging from Gramsci's hegemony to Goffman's total institutions and Foucault's panopticon. Recommended for people who are interested in psychology or social theory.

Other than excellent acting by most, story was appalling, tho based on a true event. the only reason i made it thru the movie was to see before the credits role, what the outcome was. ill avoid spoiler alert. i DO NOT recommend this movie AT ALL.

This moviei not to be funny,but i feel funny. guard is very evil.and creative. make its like black humour something.good film .

I really liked the movie, there is a good amount of suspense and it really builds well and is overall a really good psychological drama.

Although it makes for uncomfortable viewing, The Stanford Prison Experiment is a story that needs to be told. The actors playing the guards are fantastic- you really love to hate them! Not a feel good movie but an interesting social commentary on the influence of authority and power, worth a watch if that's your kind of thing.

I believe it's really interesting, when a movie captures a real life event, especially when that has to do with human nature. If you're into psychology too, you're probably a great candidate for this film. There are some great performances here, and it definitely gives you food for thought, about how people act when in power, among other things. It's not a masterpiece, but I think it's still worth the time.