Detective Films with Experiments

Description: A quadriplegic ex-detective and a patrol cop team up to solve a series of murders where the killer leaves clues in the form of forensic experiments, challenging the detectives' intellect and forensic knowledge.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Jeffery Deaver, and Denzel Washington, who plays the detective, did extensive research on quadriplegia for his role.

Description: This film delves into the world of magic and rivalry, where two magicians engage in a deadly game of one-upmanship, using science and illusion to outdo each other. The experiments in this film are not just about magic tricks but about the lengths one would go to for revenge and recognition.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving Nikola Tesla's experiments with electricity. Christopher Nolan, the director, is known for his love of magic and illusions.

Description: While not a traditional detective film, this psychological thriller explores the dynamics of power and control through a social experiment gone wrong. It's a gripping study of human behavior under extreme conditions, making it a fascinating watch for those intrigued by experimental setups.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life Stanford prison experiment conducted in

Description: This political thriller involves a ghostwriter who uncovers a conspiracy while writing the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. The film features a psychological experiment in the form of the ghostwriter's investigation into the truth.

Fact: Roman Polanski, the director, was under house arrest in Switzerland during the film's production due to an outstanding warrant from the US.

Description: Although primarily known for its hacking and investigative journalism, this film includes elements of psychological experiments and manipulation, especially in the character development of Lisbeth Salander.

Fact: The film's title refers to a tattoo Lisbeth has, which becomes a key element in the story. The original Swedish film adaptation was released in

Description: This biographical thriller focuses on Alan Turing's efforts to crack the German Enigma code during WWII. The film showcases Turing's groundbreaking work in computer science, essentially an experiment in codebreaking that changed the course of history.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Turing, learned to type on an actual Enigma machine for authenticity. The film's title refers to the Turing Test, a test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, a human.

Description: A Dutch thriller where a man's girlfriend disappears at a rest stop, leading him on a quest to find her, involving psychological experiments and manipulation by the kidnapper.

Fact: The film was remade in English in 1993, but the original Dutch version is considered superior by many critics for its subtlety and psychological depth.

Description: While not a traditional detective film, this psychological thriller involves a machinist who hasn't slept in a year, leading to a series of mysterious events and self-discovery, akin to an experiment on the human psyche.

Fact: Christian Bale lost over 60 pounds for his role, showcasing his commitment to the character's physical and mental state.

Description: This film explores the psychological effects of obsession with the number 23, leading to a detective-like investigation into the protagonist's own life and mind.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of the "23 enigma," where the number 23 appears in various coincidences and conspiracy theories.

Description: Set in Oxford, this film follows a series of murders linked by mathematical symbols and logic puzzles. The detective work involves solving complex mathematical problems, making it a unique blend of mystery and intellectual challenge.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Guillermo Martínez, which was inspired by the works of Jorge Luis Borges. John Hurt, who plays the mathematician, was a real-life Oxford alumnus.