Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Winona Ryder, Jim Gaffigan, John Leguizamo, Anthony Edwards, Anton Yelchin, Taryn Manning, Lori Singer, Dennis Haysbert, Edoardo Ballerini, Kellan Lutz, Danny A. Abeckaser
Review: In the early '60s, social psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted a series of behavior experiments that tested ordinary people and their willingness to obey authority. Milgram's experiment consisted of people believing that they were administering electric shocks to a friendly stranger (Jim Gaffigan). And then what happens when they are told to ignore his pleas for mercy simply because they were told to do so.
Experimenter is a biopic that doesn't rely on melodramatic moments, but solid directing, writing, and performances that tell the story of a man and his determination to find the truth behind how we think, react, and obey.
Peter Sarsgaard is remarkable as psychologist Stanley Milgram. His calm presence and his unwavering focus really carries you through this movie. His narration of the events of his life are done in a way to explain himself since he is internalizes his feelings. He seemed as if Milgram always lived life as a scientist conducting an experiment, where he was in a lab, at home, or in the world.
Winona Ryder is very good here, but has little to do other than have her character get frustrated by being the wife of Sarsgaard's Milgram. Also, this movie is filled with significant cameos by great actors and actresses like John Leguizamo, Anthony Edwards, Taryn Manning, Lori Singer, Dennis Haysbert, and Kellan Lutz. The late Anton Yelchin's brief scene is one that really stands out.
I also enjoyed how the movie doesn't seem to judge Milgram or his experiments. It just shows you what transpired and what his intentions were and lets you, the viewer, make your own opinion of the man and his work. Some might not like that aspect, but it was nice to learn about someone and something that actually happened and be able to react naturally. Also, some might not be about to connect with the subject matter, but if you are interested in behavioral experiements, psychology, or biopics, be sure to strap in for the Experimenter