FilmSnobReviews

Title: Experimenter
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Michael Almereyda
Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Winona Ryder, Kellan Lutz
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins

What It Is: Telling the tale of the same social psychologist Stanley Milgram (Sarsgaard) and his controversial series of behavioral experiments in 1961. Following backlash from that series in which people were told to give instructions to a man behind A wall. Should the man not fully understand the instructions she would receive an electric shock of varying power. This obviously led 2 people feeling betrayed by the doctor. This, however, was just the first of Dr. Milgrams social experiments focusing on the obedience of authority. In addition, we get some insight into the doctor’s relationship with his long-time wife Sasha (Ryder).

What We Think: Strong film telling an interesting (based) on a true story. That’s what this is, and that’s all it wants to be. Peter Sarsgaard is strong here, and that seems like a phrase I say in regards to anything he is in. It was really good to see Winona Ryder back in action, she has been missed. Cameos are strewn throughout the film including a rare Anthony Edwards sighting (perhaps Goose isn’t dead). Either way he certainly isn’t a great wingman here (you’ll get that joke when you see the movie), and what about seeing it?

Our Grade: B-, See the film it is really a rather interesting story about a unique guy responsible for the degrees of separation theory. I suppose if there is any one word that could sum up this film it would be fascinating, or perhaps intriguing, for this argument’s sake fascinating it is. If you have ever seen an episode of the Showtime television show Masters of Sex then the opening scenes regarding the tests will surely harken back to that. I think this is due to both having taken place around the same time. With all that said I’m going to suggest you check this one out!