The Stanford Prison Experiment

"They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days."

2015 2h 2m EN

👍

6.8

SOLID

★6.8TMDB · 1,017

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Synopsis

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In 1971, Stanford's Professor Philip Zimbardo conducts a controversial psychology experiment in which college students pretend to be either prisoners or guards, but the proceedings soon get out of hand. Based on a true story.

“They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Billy Crudup
Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Michael Angarano
Christopher Archer
Ezra Miller
Daniel Culp / Prisoner 8612
Tye Sheridan
Peter Mitchell / Prisoner 819
Olivia Thirlby
Dr. Christina Maslach
Nelsan Ellis
Jesse Fletcher
Moisés Arias
Anthony Carroll
Nicholas Braun
Karl Vandy

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Kyle Patrick Alvarez
Writers: Tim Talbott
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

ERA

Did you know

Released 11 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, shot by Jas Shelton. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Andrew Hewitt. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Kyle Patrick Alvarez shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

CAST

Did you know

Billy Crudup and Michael Angarano and Ezra Miller carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0420293 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Kyle Patrick Alvarez directs. Jas Shelton behind the camera. Andrew Hewitt scores. Kyle Patrick Alvarez cuts. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 11 years ago.
2Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, shot by Jas Shelton. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Andrew Hewitt. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Kyle Patrick Alvarez shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Billy Crudup and Michael Angarano and Ezra Miller carry the top of the cast.
6Marketing tagline: "They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days.".
7IMDB entry: tt0420293 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Cinematography: Jas Shelton
Original score: Andrew Hewitt
Editing: Kyle Patrick Alvarez
Production design: Gary Barbosa
Costume design: Lisa Tomczeszyn
Makeup / hair: Nacoma Whobrey
Stunt coordinator: Lou Simon
Runtime: 122 min · 2h 2m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Box office: $643,557
Original language: EN
Certification (US): R
IMDB: The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)

Awards

The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award
Alfred P. Sloan Prize

Individual records documented via Wikidata; the summary above may count more.

Also by

Kyle Patrick Alvarez

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Trailers & featurettes

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Community reviews

What people are saying

Reno2016-10-04
★ 7/10
Be cautious about what you're signing for! Do you remember the Kubrick's film 'A Clockwork Orange', well, I'm not saying it is the same or similar film or storyline, but it reminded how it affects those people who are involved in a similar kind experiment. This is not too violent like that film, but it has its share where some might feel uncomfortable. Except in the opening and some other parts, the entire film takes place in a single location, most likely a studio setting. That part was well done, including the screenplay and direction. One of the rare films, about the rare subject, in some way it is a must see, but seems not suitable for everyone. It is a nice concept, but it was based on the real. It all begins when a university professor decides to conduct an experiment in the summer holiday where some students came forward to be the part of it. It is a two week long project, so the first day goes off well and then the real problem begins when a small incident leads to a series of others in the following days. How the remaining days goes and what were the results of the experiment is disclosed in the later parts. There are many edgy events; I thought it might get ugly at some point of the narration, but stayed real and ended with a good intention. It is a collection of good performances, everyone did their parts well. Particularly those student cast. Not many of them are famous, but the film provided quite an equal share of screenspace. It is not just an entertaining film, a character study as well. First of all, it is not a usual story, so if you decide to watch it, expect accordingly. I think it is a good film to give a try for once. 7/10
John Chard2019-06-04
★ 7/10
Another very worthwhile production of a chilling real life experiment. The Stanford Prison Experiment makes for compelling reading/viewing, whichever format you choose to partake in, it's science gone bonkers and has the power to chill the blood. Did we need another film version? Especially since Das Experiment (2001) is an outstanding film and clearly the one that is recommended as a first port of call on the subject? As it is this Kyle Patrick Alvarez directed version is special as well, managing to get under the skin whilst being vivid in detail. Not just for 1971 period accuracy (clothes/social traits et al), but across the board characterisations as it's well written and performed. Not recommended for those who may be down on the human race, or for those obviously after a good time. But good film making is worth time investment - as is eye opening of the human condition. 7/10
r96sk2020-08-11
★ 7/10
I don't think they quite nailed what they were going for with this film, but I can't deny it does make for fairly uncomfortable viewing - which is the intention, I guess. <em>'The Stanford Prison Experiment'</em> has a very localised and low-budget feel to it, things that arguably actually enhance the vibe of the production. The acting is up-and-down, while the run time is too long. Billy Crudup is very good as Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while those who portray the team around him are also solid. It's when you get to the 'inmates' that the acting gets weaker, none of them are bad but they aren't on the same level as Crudup & Co. - despite some familiar faces, including a few from <em>'The Walking Dead'</em> world. Michael Angarano as "John Wayne", however, deserves praise. It took me a little while to connect to the story, it gets a tad iffy when it's setting everything up though soon finds proper ground in the middle act before ending kinda slowly; this didn't need to be 122 minutes. Would I recommend this? Yes. It's worth a watch. Perhaps could've been greater though.