Watch Right Between Your Ears

Right Between Your Ears is a fascinating documentary film from 2016 that explores the power of belief and the nature of human perception. The movie is directed by Sheila Marshall and features interviews with experts in psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology, as well as ordinary people who have grappled with the mysteries of the human mind.

At the heart of the film is a psychological experiment known as the Milgram obedience study, which was conducted in the 1960s by social psychologist Stanley Milgram. The experiment involved subjects who were instructed to administer electric shocks to another person, in order to test their willingness to obey authority figures. The experiment has been heavily criticized for its ethical implications, but it remains a powerful demonstration of how easily people can be influenced by social pressure and authority.

The movie uses this experiment as a starting point to explore the larger question of how our beliefs and perceptions shape our reality. The filmmakers interview a wide range of people, including a team of psychiatrists, a magician, a conspiracy theorist, and a group of skeptics, to get their perspectives on the power of belief.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the way it shows how easily people can be manipulated by misinformation and bias. The filmmakers interview several experts who explain how our brains are hardwired to seek out patterns and make connections, even when there may be no real correlation. This can lead to us seeing things that aren't there, or believing things that are based on flawed or incomplete information.

For example, the movie features an interview with a man who is convinced that the moon landing was a hoax. He has spent years researching the topic and has a seemingly endless supply of arguments and evidence to support his theory. However, as the film shows, many of his arguments are based on misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and outright falsehoods. Yet he remains convinced that he is right, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The movie also explores the role that social norms and group dynamics play in shaping our beliefs. The Milgram experiment is a prime example of how people can be swayed by authority figures, but the film also shows how people can be influenced by the opinions and beliefs of those around them. This is particularly evident in the case of conspiracy theories, which often take root in small, insular communities where dissenting opinions are not allowed.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the movie is the way it explores the concept of cognitive dissonance. This refers to the mental discomfort that arises when we encounter information or experiences that conflict with our existing beliefs. Rather than changing our beliefs, we often respond by doubling down on them, and seeking out more evidence to support our position.

The filmmakers interview several people who have experienced cognitive dissonance first-hand, including a woman who was convinced that her son had been abducted by aliens. Despite the lack of evidence to support her theory, she remained convinced that it was true, as it provided her with a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Overall, Right Between Your Ears is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that will challenge your beliefs and perceptions about the world around you. With its mix of insightful interviews, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in the mysteries of the human mind and the nature of belief.

Right Between Your Ears is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.