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Read full article here: ---------------- An Educational Experiment “The Wave” (Die Welle), directed by Dennis Gansel, explores the mechanisms behind fascism, autocracy and manipulation within the microcosm of a school experiment, touching on broader issues concerning both power and human nature. Its compelling narrative, set in a contemporary context, nevertheless evokes the historical reality of Nazi Germany, offering a stark reminder of the ease with which a society can succumb to authoritarianism, to the pull of conformity and ideological radicalization. The philosophical and psychological implications of “The Wave” extend beyond its narrative, encompassing the concept of the herd effect, the illusory nature of reality and the spiritual costs of blind obedience to authority. A Social Experiment “The Experiment” (Das Experiment), directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, presents a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the psychological and social transformations experienced by ordinary individuals as they are placed in a simulated prison environment. This portrayal not only captures the essence of a true story, but also delves into the themes of survival, justice, revenge and brutal treatment of prisoners, prompting critical ethical considerations about the abuse of power and obedience to authority. The movie, through the vivid cinematic transposition of a psychological research actually performed in 1971 (The Stanford prison experiment), highlights the disturbing realities of conformity, humiliation and violence that emerge during the simulation of a prison environment. It shows how social roles and the prison environment can generate severe mental trauma and even the breakdown of human decency.
