Three Identical Strangers Essay Flashcards
global statement
Society’s response to controversial issues is often shaped by the consumption of texts that challenge pre-existing beliefs and provoke deeper thought.
specific statement
The documentary Three Identical Strangers (2018), directed by Tim Wardle, is a powerful example of this phenomenon. It recounts the true story of three identical triplets—Robert Shafran, Edward Galland, and David Kellman—who were separated at birth as part of a covert scientific experiment aimed at exploring the nature versus nurture debate. The documentary not only exposes the psychological and emotional toll this experiment had on the siblings but also offers insight into the perspectives of their adoptive parents.
thesis statement
Through the use of interviews, archival footage, non-diegetic sound and voice-over, Three Identical Strangers effectively presents the controversy surrounding the splitting of siblings at birth, exploring the extreme impacts on both the children and their families.
BP1 - pt.1
Three Identical Strangers compellingly portrays the perspectives of the triplets, who were deeply affected by the discovery that they had been deliberately separated at birth. The brothers express a sense of betrayal, anger, and loss that permeates their reflections on the experiment. Robert Shafran, for instance, articulates his anger when he describes how their lives were manipulated without their consent, stating, “These people split us up and studied us like lab rats”. This sense of violation is emphasised by the fact that the triplets were treated as mere subjects in a cold scientific study, rather than as human beings with inherent rights.
BP1 - pt.2
The documentary effectively uses close-up shots during these interviews to capture the brothers’ emotional expressions, allowing the audience to connect with their pain and frustration. The non-diegetic music also heightens in volume as this information is revealed to the audience. The shock and disbelief the triplets experienced upon discovering each other, followed by the deeper shock of learning about the experiment, highlights the emotional damage caused by the separation. The triplets’ perspectives reveal a profound critique of the ethical implications of the experiment, as they grapple with the lifelong consequences of being denied the chance to grow up together.
BP2 - pt.1
The documentary also delves into the lasting psychological impact of the separation on the brothers, particularly through the tragic story of Edward Galland. Edward’s struggled with his mental health, which eventually led to his suicide in 1995. The separation of the boys is portrayed as a direct cause of this tragedy. David Kellman reflects on this connection, suggesting that the experiment’s manipulation played a significant role in Edward’s decline, saying, “There was deep, deep darkness” and Robert Shafran said that he, “Was advised he needed to be in a facility”.
BP2 - pt.2
The use of archival footage of Edward, contrasted with the present-day interviews of Robert, David and the triplets spouses, emphasizes the irreversible damage caused by the experiment. The filmmakers utilize a somber tone through the use of a solemn music choice in that of a slow piano, and subdued lighting during these segments, reinforcing the tragic outcomes of the study. This perspective sheds light on the darker side of the nature versus nurture debate, illustrating how the experiment’s ethical violations resulted in devastaing and permanent harm to the individuals involved. The brothers’ perspectives ultimately highlight the argument that the separation of siblings at birth, particularly for experimental purposes, can lead to devastating psychological effects.
BP3 - pt.1
In addition to the brothers’ perspectives, Three Identical Strangers also explores the viewpoints of their adoptive parents, who were kept in the dark about the true nature of the adoption process. The parents express feelings of anger, guilt, and betrayal, as they grapple with the realization that they were deceived by the adoption agency and the researchers involved. David’s aunt Hedy for instance, describes her dismay regarding her view on the experiment, stating that , “When you play with humans. You do something very wrong”.
BP3 - pt.2
The documentary employs interviews with the parents, often framed in medium shots that capture their body language and facial expressions, conveying their deep sense of hurt and disbelief. The film also reveals the sense of guilt experienced by the parents, who were unaware of the existence of the other siblings and the true reason behind the adoption arrangements. This guilt is compounded by the fact that the parents were led to believe that the adoptions and study they thought they were involved in was conducted in the best interests of the children, only to later discover the ulterior motives behind the separations.
BP3 - pt.3
The documentary’s use of interviews and historical context further highlights the broader ethical implications of the experiment, questioning the morality of using vulnerable families as subjects in such a controversial study. The parents’ perspectives serve to emphasize the argument that the separation of siblings at birth is not only detrimental to the children but also to the families.
conclusion - pt.1
In conclusion, Three Identical Strangers presents a thorough exploration of the controversy surrounding the separation of siblings at birth, effectively conveying the profound emotional and psychological impacts on both the children and their families. Through the perspectives of the triplets, the documentary showcases the ethical violations of the experiment, highlighting the deep sense of betrayal, loss, and trauma experienced by the brothers.
conclusion - pt.2
The parents’ perspectives further illuminate the broader ethical implications of the study, revealing the deception and manipulation that affected multiple lives. The documentary ultimately challenges the audience to consider the human cost of such experiments and the lasting scars left on those who were treated as mere subjects in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
