Director: Ken Russell
Written by: Paddy Chayefsky (novel & screenplay)
Cast: William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban

Year / Country: 1980, USA
Running Time: 102 mins.

Altered States is a wild and thought-provoking journey into the mind of Dr. Eddie Jessup, a psycho-physiologist in the 1960s who becomes obsessed with exploring the boundaries of human consciousness. Plagued by unresolved childhood trauma, Jessup is driven by an insatiable curiosity about the meaning of existence. His experiments with a mind-altering isolation tank trigger intense religious hallucinations featuring visions of God, Jesus, and crucifixion scenes, blending spirituality with the surreal.

The story takes a darker turn after Jessup encounters a remote Mexican tribe and brings home a powerful psychedelic compound. Incorporating this substance into his experiments, he discovers that the altered states of consciousness he experiences are not merely internal, but can manifest physically. This revelation pushes the film into unsettling body-horror territory, shifting its tone to something more visceral and disturbing. The escalating tension and grotesque transformations make the latter half of the film both unnerving and memorable.

While Altered States begins with fascinating philosophical and scientific ideas, it struggles to maintain its initial momentum. Despite this, there is much to admire. William Hurt delivers an outstanding performance in his film debut, capturing Jessup’s intense obsession and vulnerability. The hallucinatory sequences are stunningly crafted, offering surreal imagery that lingers in the mind.

The film’s controversial themes and bold exploration of consciousness, faith, and identity make it a product of its time, yet it remains daring even by today’s standards. Though it doesn’t fully sustain its excitement throughout, Altered States is an ambitious and visually arresting experience that’s worth exploring for fans of psychological horror.

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Biography: Ken Russell (1927, Southampton, Hampshire – 2011, Lymington, Hampshire) was a visionary British filmmaker celebrated for his flamboyant and provocative style. He initially pursued a career in dance and photography before turning to filmmaking in the 1950s. His early work in documentaries demonstrated a flair for blending artistic innovation with compelling storytelling. His breakthrough came with Women in Love (1969), an adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s novel, which earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for actress Glenda Jackson. He followed this with audacious films like The Music Lovers (1971), The Devils (1971), and Tommy (1975), each characterized by their bold visuals, experimental narratives, and controversial themes. Known for his unflinching exploration of sexuality, religion, and human eccentricity, Russell’s work was often polarizing but undeniably influential. He continued to push boundaries with films like Altered States (1980) and Gothic (1986), cementing his reputation as a maverick artist.

Filmography (a selection): Peepshow (1956, short), A House in Bayswater (1960, short), French Dressing (1964), Billion Dollar Brain (1967), Women in Love (1969), The Devils (1971), Savage Messiah (1972), Mahler (1974), Tommy (1975), Lisztomania (1975), Valentino (1977), Altered States (1980), Crimes of Passion (1984), Faust (1985, TV-Movie), Gothic (1986), Salome’s Last Dance (1988), The Rainbow (1989), Whore (1991)