Das Experiment

Das Experiment (2001, Germany)

Before directing the absolutely staggering Downfall, Oliver Hirschbiegel brought us this excellent film, loosely based on the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment. The plot follows the same premise of the real life experiment, where volunteers are selected as either guards, or prisoners, and soon those in the position of authority become sadistic, while the prisoners are subjected to humiliating treatment and become depressed and withdrawn.

In reality, the Stanford experiment was halted after 6 days because of serious concern over the well being of the participants, whereas Das Experiment stands see the ordeal through until the end, being a theoretical "What if they had let it go on?" and considerably ups the pace of proceedings. I don't need to go into the details, considering if you're familiar with the real events then you'll probably have a good guess as to what happens, and I think one of the triumphs of the film is the fact that it holds up the exceptional tension and pacing, despite it being easy to expect the outcome.

One of the criticisms I often hear about the film is that it doesn't offer anything as a serious psychological study. The fact is, it's a fictional story that merely takes it's inspiration from a real study, and you're better off not expecting any revelations about human nature, simply enjoy the film for what it is. Read up on the real experiment if you want something more conclusive.

Strip away the pretensions, and what we're left with is one seriously tense Thriller that rarely lets up, and captures a real oppressive atmosphere. Hirschbiegel has no doubt encapsulated audiences in the world of his film Downfall, and the same is quite true here, although the experience of Das Experiment isn't anywhere near as frightening as that of Downfall, it's almost as potent. The cast is very good indeed, and the main focus of the film, Tarek Fahd (Moritz Bleibtreu) is especially well played, and a good choice for the audience to identify with.

I think if you want a good thriller, then Das Experiment is an exceptional one.