The Stanford Prison Experiment (Review)

The Stanford Prison Experiment (Film Review) 2015

Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez
Starring Ezra Miller and Billy Crudup

The Stanford Prison Experiement is an independent drama which follows the notorious 1971 psychological experiment carried out by Dr. Philip Zambardo. 15 applicants are randomly assigned the roles of prisoners or guards to participate in a simulated jail setting over the period of two weeks. The experiment, and the film, act as an exploration of the transformation of human nature under negative circumstances.

The film's introduction is a beautifully filmed process of printing the advertisements for the experiment, completely devoid of any human features, already highlighting the deindividuation faced by both the ''prisoners'' and the ''guards'' involved in the experiment.

The cast mainly consists of young men, already established in the acting world. Ezra Miller (We Need To Talk About Kevin, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) stands out as a very strong actor, along with Tye Sheridan (Mud, X-Men) and Johnny Simmons (The Perks of Being a Wallflower). The acting adds a level of needed realism, to drive home the fact that this experiment did actually occur, and that this is definitely human nature.

The film did have a minor downfall with pacing. Some scenes, although many of these were intentional, were very repetitive, and not very interesting to watch. While other scenes, such as the sequence involving ''parole'' should have been prolonged. I personally did not feel 100% interested throughout.

The Stanford Prison Experiment is an intriguing psychological study with stellar acting, but not a consistently engaging film. Although I doubt all viewers will feel the same way, I consider it a negative trait. The film is enjoyable, but disturbing, and I recommend it to those interested in psychology and human behaviour.

7.5/10.

Rated 15a, runtime 122 minutes.

The Gift (Review)

The Gift (Film Review) 2015

The Gift is a 2015 thriller film directed by Joel Edgerton, and starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall and Joel Edgerton.

Simon, now married, meets an old classmate, ''Gordo'', in a department store near their newly bought, perfect house. ''Gordo'' begins injecting himself into Robyn and Simon's life, becoming too close for their comfort. 

The Gift is a very beautifully filmed, but slightly unoriginal film. The shots of the very window-heavy home which the couple resides in highlights their lack of privacy, and adds a bright and modern look to the film. There are no complaints about the acting or editing, but the music can be repetitive and basic, with no original-sounding tracks. 

While the plot is engaging and interesting, loopholes were not absent. And again, I felt it wasn't a creative masterpiece, though it was a very high quality thriller, which almost everyone should find enjoyable. The very familiar home-invasion cliché is highly used throughout.

I would recommend The Gift to everyone as a really interesting and fun movie, but it definitely doesn't break any creative boundaries.

I give The Gift 6.5/10.

Rated 15, runtme 108 minutes.

Currently streaming on Netflix.

The Lobster (Film Review) 2015

The Lobster (Film Review)

The Lobster is a 2015 comedy-drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth), and starring Colin Farell and Rachel Weisz.

The film's concept: all adults who have recently lost a partner through death or divorce are sent to a hotel, where if they do not fall in love within 45 days, they are surgically transformed into an animal of their choosing. ''A lobster's an excellent choice''.

I try not to explain the film's plot when somebody asks. Maybe this ridiculous concept is in reference to how ridiculous forcing someone to fall in love due to common interests is, or even just forcing someone to eventually get married. A comment on the societal pressures put on single adults. There are constant references and reminders to how even numbers are perfect, a couple. There is a further commentary on applying limiting labels and boxes to people, no half-sized shoes, etc.

Collin Farrell and Rachel Weisz, along with the many minor characters, all add to the film greatly. There are no weak actors which I could point out. The screen writing can be fast and witty at times, but I felt the ''quirkiness'' was definitely overdone. The robotic and monotonous speech pattern was generally funny but also overdone.

I have spoken to many people who do not enjoy this film, and I can definitely respect and understand their opinion. The Lobster is not for everyone, with it's strange plot, writing and imagery. It's script is similar to that of a Wes Anderson film, but still remains very dark, and at times disturbing. It is definitely a slow film which is heavily reliant on dialogue (which many people won't even find funny). A very strange film.

I give The Lobster 7.5/10

Rated 15, runtime 120 minutes