Experimenter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A professor shocks people, then gets shocked by the public’s reaction, and then shocks the academic world with more shocking research.

🍿 Experimenter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Milgram Experiment Begins

The film opens with Stanley Milgram, played by Peter Sarsgaard, initiating his now-famous obedience experiments in 1961 at Yale University. Participants are led to believe they are administering electric shocks to a ‘learner’ (played by Jim Gaffigan) for incorrect answers, with the voltage increasing for each mistake. Milgram observes as subjects grapple with their conscience and the pressure to obey authority. As the experiment progresses, subjects display increasing discomfort and anxiety, yet many continue to administer shocks up to a potentially lethal level, driven by the insistence of the experimenter. This showcases the disturbing willingness of ordinary individuals to follow orders, even when they conflict with their moral compass.

Personal Life and Professional Challenges

The film interweaves Milgram’s personal life, including his relationship with his wife, Sasha (played by Winona Ryder), amidst the controversy and acclaim surrounding his work. Sasha provides emotional support while also questioning the ethical implications of his experiments. Milgram faces intense criticism from fellow academics and the public, who accuse him of deceiving and traumatizing his subjects. Despite the backlash, he defends his research, arguing that it provides crucial insights into human behavior and the potential for obedience to lead to atrocities, drawing parallels to the Holocaust and the Eichmann trial.

Further Experiments and Continued Controversy

Undeterred, Milgram continues his research, conducting experiments on other aspects of social behavior, such as the ‘small-world problem’ (six degrees of separation) and the ‘lost letter’ experiment. These investigations further cement his reputation as a groundbreaking, albeit controversial, social psychologist. His book, ‘Obedience to Authority,’ reignites the debate, leading to further scrutiny and challenges to his methods. The film highlights the personal toll this takes on Milgram, as he navigates professional setbacks and the constant ethical questioning of his work.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stanley Milgram (Peter Sarsgaard): A social psychologist who conducts controversial experiments on obedience and conformity, seeking to understand human behavior in relation to authority.
• Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Milgram (Winona Ryder): Stanley Milgram’s supportive wife who provides a grounding perspective amidst his controversial work and public scrutiny.
• James McDonough (Jim Gaffigan): A research assistant and actor who plays a key role in Milgram’s experiments, often as the ‘learner’ receiving the fake electric shocks.
• Miller (Anthony Edwards): A participant in Milgram’s obedience experiment, representing the ordinary individuals whose actions are tested under pressure.
• William Shatner (Kellan Lutz): An actor portraying Stanley Milgram in a fictionalized TV depiction of his experiments, highlighting the broader impact and interpretation of his work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stanley Milgram: “I believe we are puppets with perception, with awareness. Sometimes we can see the strings. And perhaps our awareness is the first step in our liberation.” – This encapsulates Milgram’s view on human behavior and the potential for individuals to recognize and resist societal pressures.
• Stanley Milgram: “The social psychology of this century reveals a major lesson: often it is not so much the kind of person a man is as the kind of situation in which he finds himself that determines how he will act.” – Explaining the importance of situational factors on individual behavior rather than disposition.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,700,000
• Domestic Gross: $155,575
• Worldwide Gross: $224,145

💥 Experimenter Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by Experimenter. I always found Stanley Milgram’s work fascinating, and this movie really brought his experiments to life. Seeing how ordinary people reacted in those situations was unsettling, but it also made me think about my own potential for obedience. Sarsgaard’s performance was captivating and gave me a deeper understanding of Milgram’s motivations. The scenes where he directly addresses the audience were unexpected but really effective. I loved how the film made me question everything.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Those interested in psychology and social behavior”
  • “Viewers who appreciate thought-provoking biopics”
  • “Those interested in historical experiments and their ethical implications”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of potentially distressing social experiments”
  • “Brief references to historical atrocities (e.g., the Holocaust)”
  • “Themes of obedience and authority that may be unsettling”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Experimenter is a thought-provoking film that dares to explore the complexities of human behavior. Sarsgaard delivers a compelling performance as Milgram, capturing his intellectual curiosity and the controversy surrounding his work. Almereyda’s experimental filmmaking style enhances the film’s intellectual depth, making it a fascinating exploration of ethics and obedience.
• The Guardian: “This movie might be a bit ‘dry,’ but it offers a fascinating look at Milgram’s experiments, though the experimental filmmaking style could be divisive. However, the film’s strength lies in its ability to spark important conversations about human nature, authority, and morality. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• RogerEbert.com: “Experimenter is not always easy to watch because it shows how humans behave given they are following direct orders from an authority figure. Sarsgaard is a must watch as he embodies Milgram’s intellectual spirit and determination, while Ryder adds a needed touch of warmth and humanity. It does not shy away from exploring Milgram’s flaws but ultimately celebrates his important contributions to science.

Audience Reactions

The performances, especially Peter Sarsgaard, were great and very convincing.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s accurate depiction of the Milgram experiment and the thought-provoking questions it raises about human nature.

I found the stylized backdrops and unusual narrative techniques quite creative and engaging.: Viewers either loved or hated the experimental filmmaking style, some finding it innovative while others found it distracting.

Overall Consensus: Experimenter is a thought-provoking biopic that explores the life and work of Stanley Milgram, prompting important conversations about obedience, ethics, and human nature. While the experimental filmmaking style may not appeal to all audiences, the film’s intellectual depth and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film employs several unconventional techniques, including having Peter Sarsgaard (as Stanley Milgram) frequently break the fourth wall to address the audience directly, enhancing the documentary feel.”
• “The use of rear projection and obvious set design elements was intentional, meant to create a distancing effect and remind the audience that they are watching a constructed narrative.”
• “The film incorporates the real William Shatner portraying Stanley Milgram in The Tenth Level (1976), which was filmed several years after Star Trek (1966) ended. This information adds a layer of meta-commentary on Milgram’s experiment and its reception in pop culture.”
• “The elephant in the room visual is a reference to the social concept which has origins in the fable ‘The Blind Men and an Elephant’. Minnie, the Elephant in the Room, is listed in the credits with other cast members.”

🖥️ How to Watch Experimenter?

Experimenter is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for rental and purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Experimenter, you might like these similar films:

• The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015): A dramatization of another famous, ethically controversial psychology experiment, focusing on the power of social roles and situational influences.
• Compliance (2012): Explores similar themes of obedience to authority in a more modern, disturbing context.
• Das Experiment (2001): A German film examining the dynamics of a prison experiment, similar to ‘The Stanford Prison Experiment’.

🛒 Experimenter Related Products

• Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View: This is Stanley Milgram’s original book detailing his groundbreaking obedience experiments. This book offers an in-depth analysis of the study’s methodology, results, and ethical implications.
• The Milgram Experiment: Understanding Obedience and Authority: An engaging video lecture exploring the Milgram experiment. The course content includes real footage and interviews, along with discussions about social psychology and obedience.
• Milgram Experiment Poster: A vintage-style poster inspired by the Milgram experiment. This poster features iconic imagery, and it is a great conversation piece for psychology enthusiasts.
• Stanley Milgram Action Figure: A limited-edition action figure of Stanley Milgram, complete with miniature lab coat and experimental setup. A detailed collectible for serious fans of the movie and social psychology.

🎧 Soundtrack

Experimenter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Some Enchanted Evening” – performed by Mantovani Orchestra
• “Theme from ‘Experimenter'” – performed by Bryan Senti

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Do Guns Say About Characters in Movies?

Ever notice how a character’s choice of weapon says a lot about them? This video breaks down exactly how guns are used to convey character traits in films. It’s surprisingly insightful, I never thought about it this way before!

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