The Experiment Movie Analysis

Analyzing "The Experiment" (2010) is like diving deep into how people think
and act. It's a story that makes me think about right and wrong, and how people with
power can sometimes do surprising or even scary things. As I watch the movie, I find
myself compelled to confront unsettling realities concerning the essence of authority
and the precariousness of societal conventions. As the storyline unfolds, each
narrative development gradually unveils the inherent duality of human behavior,
laying bare the inherent potential for both cruelty and empathy that resides within
every individual. This analysis provides an understanding towards the motives of each
character to participate in the experiment and how they have developed and changed
with the events that took place in the prison cells.

1. Travis ( Inmate #77)

Following the loss of his job, he encountered a girl with whom he fell inlove
with and desired to be with. However, his aspirations wereheld back by financial
constraints and the instability of his life. In an attempt to find an escape to his
difficult reality, he made the decision to partake in the experiment, motivated not only
by the promise of monetary compensation but also by the prospect of escaping his
challenging life. Initially, Travis seems like a character who's not quite clear-cut
morally, like he's willing to do whatever to make things better for himself. When
faced with the chance to oppose the increasing violence and stop more harm, Travis
hesitates at first, feeling torn between looking out for himself and doing what he
knows is right. Yet, in a moment of redemption, he decides to go against the authority
figure and step in, even though it means putting himself in danger to safeguard others.
It shows there's more to him than just what you see on the surface. The idea of
reuniting with his girlfriend in India within a mere two weeks served as a significant
driving force, sustaining his commitment to the experiment despite enduring various
forms of adversity, including embarrassment, emotional and physical torment, and
even a mental breakdown. Through the experiment, Travis started to believe in his
god through touching his tattoo of beads like a rosary which calms him down.
Travis's behavior can be analyzed through Erik Erikson's stages of
psychosocial development. He may be stuck in the stage of "Identity vs. Role
Confusion," struggling to establish a sense of identity and purpose, which could
explain his willingness to participate in the experiment for financial gain. His
behavior manifests as a desire to regain control over his life and assert his identity in a
challenging socio-economic context.

2. Barris (Prison Guard)

Barris was primarily driven to join the experiment due to financial concerns,
specifically to assist with his mother's medical expenses following her hip injury.
Throughout the experiment, he finds gratification in asserting dominance and seizing
control, deriving both sexual satisfaction and a heightened sense of entitlement as the
experiment progresses. Initially portrayed as amiable and laid-back, Barris undergoes
a significant transformation over the course of the experiment.
His behavior can be analyzed through the lens of behaviorism, particularly in
terms of reinforcement and punishment. His authoritarian tendencies and quest for
control may be rooted in past experiences where such behaviors were positively
reinforced or rewarded. As a guard, Barris's actions reflect learned behaviors,
reinforced by the sense of power and order he gains. His reaction to losing control
over the prisoners and fellow guards leads to violent outbursts, culminating in the
tragic death of one participant. It is only upon receiving payment for his participation
that Barris comes to a realization about the consequences of his actions, highlighting
the belated recognition of the ethical implications of his behavior.

3. Chase (Prison Guard)

Unlike many of the other participants, Chase doesn't face urgent financial
pressures. His main reason for joining the experiment was to earn money to support
his sexual lifestyle. Chase exhibits traits akin to an alpha wolf, asserting dominance
and expecting prisoners to respect the authority of the guards, whom he perceives as
holding higher status. He imposed push-ups as a form of punishment. Driven by his
strong sexual urges, he made two attempts to sexually assault Oscar (Inmate #22)
during the experiment. He succeeded the second time but was subdued when Travis
intervened, causing him to lose consciousness.
Chase's conduct can be analyzed using Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which
examines his relationships and interactions with others. His decision to participate in
the experiment may arise from a need for social connections and a sense of belonging,
as well as a desire to explore his identity within a group setting. His actions may
demonstrate a willingness to conform to social norms and forge alliances with fellow
participants to fulfill his social needs. However, his undisclosed sexual preferences
contribute to his problematic understanding of desires, relationships, and consent.

4. Nix (Inmate #17)

Nix initially appears as a calm and collected individual driven by the monetary
reward promised by the experiment. He tends to keep to himself, abiding by the rules
and respecting authority figures. In advising Travis to maintain composure and
abandon thoughts of redemption and just get along with the prison guards, Nix
demonstrates a pragmatic mindset. He believes that the weaker should follow and fear
those who are strong or those who have power. However, the harsh treatment and
oppression from the prison guards during the experiment trigger a rebellious streak
within him, leading to a growing disdain for authority. This defiance escalates as he
becomes increasingly confrontational, prioritizing the pursuit of freedom and justice
for their deceased cellmate over financial gain.
Nix's behavior can be analyzed through Freud's psychoanalytic theory,
particularly focusing on his unconscious motivations and inner conflicts. His
resistance to authority figures and rebellious demeanor might stem from unresolved
past experiences, such as instances of oppression or trauma. Nix's actions could be
driven by unconscious impulses and desires that he seeks to express through his
behavior within the confines of the experiment.

5. Helweg (Prison Guard)

Helweg, who portrayed a prison guard during the experiment, fervently
embraces the authoritarian aspects of his role. While the movie does not explicitly
delve into his motives for participating in the experiment, his actions reveal a taste
for upholding order and discipline, deriving satisfaction from asserting his superiority.
However, despite his outward display of dominance, Helweg also demonstrates a fear
of repercussions and easily succumbs to intimidation from participants exhibiting
stronger personalities. Rather than instilling fear himself, he tends to follow those who
possess greater assertiveness. Helweg remains depicted as a stern enforcer of
regulations, resorting to intimidation and even violence to maintain control. He
exhibits a sense of superiority over the inmates and is unapologetic about his actions,
showcasing his unwavering commitment his given character and power.
Understanding Helweg's behavior through the lens of Erikson's developmental
stages, particularly the "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage occurring during
adolescence, sheds light on his character evolution. Initially, Helweg's adherence to
authority and pragmatic approach align with typical behaviors associated with identity
formation. However, as the story progresses, Helweg undergoes a transformation
from a passive follower to a confrontational rebel. His actions mirror an internal
struggle between conforming to societal norms and asserting his individuality. This
shift may be attributed to various factors, including past experiences of oppression,
trauma, or conflicts in personal identity development.

6. Bosch (Prison Guard)

Bosch's motivations in the film were not explicitly revealed, but initially, it
seems like he's driven by a sense of duty and professionalism. However, as the
experiment unfolds, his motivations become more intricate as he deals with
conflicting feelings and ethical dilemma. He shows loyalty to his fellow guards but
also moments of empathy and self-reflection. He wrestles with the moral implications
of his actions, torn between obeying orders and feeling increasingly uneasy about the
escalating violence. When Benj (inmate #51) needed his insulin shot, Bosch extended
help but faced punishment for his actions.
One way to interpret Bosch's behavior is through Freud's psychosexual stages
of development, particularly focusing on unresolved conflicts or fixations. His
struggles with conflicting emotions and moral dilemmas might trace back to
unresolved issues from the phallic stage of development. In this stage, individuals
contend with feelings of guilt and a longing for moral guidance. Bosch's actions could
be influenced by unconscious drives and desires that he struggles to reconcile with his
moral compass.

7. Benjy (Inmate #51)

Benjy's motives weren't initially clear, but it seemed he was on the hunt for
unique experiences to inspire his cartoon novels. Despite being weakened by
hypoglycemia, he continued with the experiment, driven by a desire to break free
from his fraudulent past and cowardly tendencies, hoping to do something genuine for
once. His diabetes added another layer of vulnerability to his character, yet he
displayed remarkable determination and resilience despite his physical challenges.
Benjy formed alliances and gained acceptance among his fellow prisoners, leading
him to protect them, ultimately resulting in his tragic demise.
Benjy's character development aligns with Erikson's Psychosocial Theory, particularly
the stage of "Identity vs. Role Confusion." Throughout the experiment, he wrestles
with questions of self-identity and independence, eventually emerging with a clearer
sense of who he is and what he stands for amidst the chaotic prison environment. His
transformation is evident as he evolves from a hesitant and uncertain individual to one
who is confident and self-assured, navigating the complexities of power dynamics
with new found strength and purpose which lead him to step up for his friend, defend
him and ultimately sacrifice his life for him.

8. Oscar (Inmate #22)

Oscar's reasons for joining the experiment aren't directly explained in the film,
much like many of the other participants. He stands out for his strong, independent
nature, unafraid to speak his mind and challenge authority figures. Oscar faces two
instances of sexual assault from Chase, who assumes Oscar is gay. Throughout the
experiment, Oscar shows flexibility in adapting to the prison's changing dynamics. He
quickly evaluates situations and adjusts his actions accordingly, forming alliances
when needed and avoiding unnecessary conflicts to ensure his safety. Despite the
challenges he faces, Oscar demonstrates resilience and determination, especially when
he seizes an opportunity to escape during one of the assaults.
Oscar's growth as a character can be understood through the lens of
Behaviorism theory, which explores how personalities develop. Through his
experiences, Oscar learns to modify his behavior based on the circumstances,
gradually becoming more assertive and morally conscious. His actions are influenced
by positive interactions with fellow inmates and the consequences of witnessing or
experiencing injustice. Overall, Oscar's character development aligns with
Behaviorism principles, emphasizing how environmental factors shape observable
behaviors and the process of learning and adaptation over time which lead him to
defend self by choking chase until he pass out.