Experimenter (2015) Movie Review: A Thought-Provoking Dive into Human Obedience
Experimenter (2015) is a biographical drama directed by Michael Almereyda that explores the life and controversial experiments of social psychologist Stanley Milgram. Milgram’s groundbreaking studies in the early 1960s, which tested the limits of human obedience to authority, are at the heart of the film. Experimenter is not just a historical recounting of these famous experiments; it is also a reflective, stylized exploration of the ethical questions they raised and their lasting impact on psychology and society.
In this review, we’ll discuss the film’s narrative structure, performances, its unique style, and where to watch Experimenter online through streaming services and rental platforms in the U.S.
Plot Overview: The Shock of Obedience
The film is set primarily in the 1960s, following Stanley Milgram (played by Peter Sarsgaard) as he conducts his infamous obedience experiments at Yale University. The premise of the experiment was simple: participants, believing they were helping in a study on learning, were asked to administer increasingly severe electric shocks to a person in another room (an actor) whenever that person gave incorrect answers. Despite the obvious distress of the person receiving the shocks (who was, in fact, unharmed), many participants followed the experimenter’s orders to continue shocking them, even up to lethal voltages.
Experimenter delves into Milgram’s psychological motivations, his personal life, and his interactions with the broader academic and social communities, who were both fascinated and horrified by his findings. The study demonstrated that ordinary people could commit cruel acts when instructed by an authority figure, raising important questions about human nature and morality.
Throughout the film, Milgram directly addresses the camera, breaking the fourth wall to explain his thought process and the impact of his work. These moments give the film a documentary-like feel and allow viewers to engage directly with Milgram’s ethical dilemmas and reflections on his legacy.
Key Performances: A Quietly Compelling Sarsgaard
Peter Sarsgaard gives a quiet yet commanding performance as Stanley Milgram. His portrayal captures the calm, intellectual demeanor of the real-life psychologist, while also conveying the deep complexity of his character. Sarsgaard’s Milgram is introspective, often distancing himself emotionally from the moral implications of his experiments while still being acutely aware of their significance. His use of direct address, speaking directly to the audience, makes his performance more intimate, allowing viewers to grapple with the same ethical questions that Milgram faced.
Winona Ryder plays Sasha, Milgram’s supportive wife, who provides a grounding influence in his life. Though her role is more subdued, Ryder brings warmth to the film, offering a balance to Milgram’s often detached, clinical approach to his work.
The supporting cast includes Jim Gaffigan as James McDonough, Milgram’s loyal colleague, and John Leguizamo, who plays a participant in one of Milgram’s obedience studies. Their performances, along with many others in the ensemble, help illustrate the human element of Milgram’s experiments—showing both the discomfort and intrigue felt by those who participated.
Visual and Narrative Style: Blurring the Line Between Fact and Fiction
Experimenter stands out from traditional biopics due to its unconventional visual and narrative style. Director Michael Almereyda employs a variety of techniques to keep the film engaging while reflecting on the complex nature of Milgram’s work. One of the most striking elements is the use of rear-projection backgrounds, a deliberately artificial technique that creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. This mirrors the ethical ambiguity of the experiments, where participants often found themselves in an unnervingly unreal situation.
The film also frequently breaks the fourth wall, with Milgram narrating his own story and directly involving the audience in his thought process. This narrative device makes Experimenter feel like an intellectual conversation, drawing viewers into the ethical and philosophical questions raised by the obedience experiments. Almereyda’s direction often blurs the line between documentary and fiction, ensuring that the audience is always aware that they are watching a constructed narrative about real events.
The film’s structure moves fluidly between Milgram’s personal life and professional achievements, showing how the two intersected and influenced one another. This approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of Milgram as both a scientist and a human being grappling with the consequences of his work.
Ethical Dilemmas and Themes: The Power of Authority
At the heart of Experimenter is the moral and ethical question posed by Milgram’s work: Why do people obey authority, even when it conflicts with their personal moral beliefs? The film doesn’t shy away from showing the discomfort and pain that the obedience experiments caused—both to the participants who believed they were harming others and to Milgram himself, who faced significant criticism from the academic community and the public.
The obedience studies were conducted in the shadow of World War II and the Holocaust, during which ordinary individuals committed atrocities while following orders. Milgram’s experiments sought to understand how and why people could be coerced into such acts, and the results were both shocking and deeply unsettling. The film explores this dark side of human nature without passing judgment, instead allowing viewers to form their own conclusions.
Milgram’s work is also shown as controversial in the psychological community. His critics argue that his experiments were unethical, putting participants under unnecessary emotional strain. Milgram, on the other hand, maintains that his work was crucial in revealing fundamental truths about human behavior. This debate is central to the film, which encourages viewers to reflect on the balance between scientific discovery and ethical responsibility.
Reception and Impact
Experimenter received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s thought-provoking narrative and Peter Sarsgaard’s performance. It holds an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus being that it is an “intellectually stimulating, well-acted, and intriguingly unconventional look at the life and legacy of a brilliant thinker.”
While the film did not reach a broad commercial audience, it garnered attention for its unique approach to biographical storytelling and its exploration of challenging ethical questions. Experimenter remains a favorite among those interested in psychology, ethics, and the history of science.
Where to Watch Experimenter (2015) Online in America
For those interested in exploring the fascinating story of Stanley Milgram and his controversial experiments, Experimenter is available to stream and rent on several platforms in the U.S.
1. Amazon Prime Video
You can rent or purchase Experimenter on Amazon Prime Video, with rental prices starting at $3.99. The film can be purchased for around $9.99, allowing you to watch it on any device with an Amazon Prime subscription.
2. Apple TV
Experimenter is available for rent and purchase on Apple TV. The rental price is $3.99, and the purchase price is around $9.99. It’s a good option for those using Apple devices who want to experience the film in HD.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
For Android users, Google Play Movies & TV offers Experimenter for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $9.99. It can be streamed on various devices compatible with Google Play.
4. Vudu
Vudu is another platform where you can rent or buy Experimenter. Rentals typically start at $3.99, with purchase prices at $9.99. Vudu offers HD streaming, making it a great option for those seeking high-quality video.
5. Hulu
At the time of writing, Experimenter is available for streaming on Hulu for subscribers. This offers a convenient way to watch the film without additional rental or purchase fees if you already subscribe to the service.
Conclusion: A Fascinating Exploration of Human Behavior
Experimenter (2015) is a compelling, thought-provoking film that sheds light on one of the most controversial psychological experiments of the 20th century. With a standout performance by Peter Sarsgaard and a unique narrative style, the film engages the audience in a deeper reflection on obedience, authority, and morality.
For viewers interested in the ethical implications of scientific discovery and the complexities of human behavior, Experimenter is an essential watch. With its availability on platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu, it’s easy to access this insightful and intriguing film from the comfort of your home.
