Experimenter (2015) - The Milgram Study: Complete Movie Guide

The film stars Peter Sarsgaard as Stanley Milgram and Winona Ryder as his wife, Sasha Menkin Milgram. It presents a fictionalized account of Milgram's life, blending historical events with imaginative elements to delve into the psychological and moral implications of his work. The story begins with Milgram conducting his obedience experiments at Yale University in the early 1960s. He designs an experiment where participants are instructed to administer electric shocks to a person in another room, emphasizing the power of authority figures in influencing obedience. The experiments become highly controversial due to the potential psychological harm inflicted on the participants.

As the film progresses, it explores Milgram's personal life, including his relationship with his wife Sasha and their struggles. It also delves into the backlash and criticism Milgram faces from the scientific community and the public. The film touches on the ethical debates surrounding the experiments and Milgram's motivations for conducting them. "The Experimenter" also incorporates various narrative devices to highlight the fictional and theatrical elements of the story. For instance, Milgram directly addresses the audience, breaks the fourth wall, and interacts with actors portraying historical figures, such as Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal. Through these narrative techniques, the film delves into broader themes of conformity, authority, and individual responsibility. It prompts viewers to reflect on the moral implications of obedience and the potential for ordinary individuals to engage in harmful actions under the influence of authority figures.

Overall, "The Experimenter" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Stanley Milgram's life and his groundbreaking yet controversial obedience experiments. It combines elements of biography, drama, and psychological exploration to shed light on the complex dynamics of human behavior and the power of authority.

Key words: Psychology, Stanley Milgram, Obedience and Authority, Sociology

*** The movie is available on iTunes.

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