Altered States
The Most Terrifying Experiment In The History Of Science Is Out Of Control...And The Subject Is Himself.
Research scientist Eddie Jessup (William hurt) believes other states of consciousness are as real as everyday reality. Using sensory deprivation, then adding powerful, hallucinogenic drugs, he explores these altered states..and endures experiences that make madness seem a blessing. Academy award winner William Hurt as Jessup (his film debut) heads a solid cast featuring Blair brown, bob balaban and Charles had. Working from paddy Chayefskys novel, director ken Russell guides us with a sorcerers skill through eddies magical and horrific journey as Altered States gyrates with dazzling visual bravado and bracing emotional impact.
Member Reviews
Altered Memories... Forever! - Quindog
This is more of a recollection – not a review as such.
30 years later and I can still remember that isolation chamber with the water in it!
To me that is one of the signs of a great movie; when some scenes just get burned into your memory to such an extent that they are still basically there decades later.
Would the movie still have this kind of impact today? I don't know. Hard for a movie to not become at least a little dated after 30 years, but it wouldn't surprise if it still could "move" some first-time viewers. Some of the special effects were great for the time and would still be solid enough for today's CGI fed audiences.
The movie's premise is certainly timeless; how much of our brain's capabilities are we unable to harness? What are we really mentally capable of controlling... be it good or bad?
I think anyone with an open enough mind about such and with a willingness to accept an older flick for what it was, and what it is, would really enjoy this movie today. If you are a sci-fi fan and you haven't seen this one... you have to. It was one of the most original and groundbreaking films of its day and, I suspect, somewhat underrated for that same reason (it was just a tad too "out there"!)
Kind of surprised (probably in a good way, mind you) that this one hasn't been remade yet. I hope they don't. I like it just the way it is.Definitely worth your time - Boogeypop
Although this did come out the year I was born (1980) it certainly doesn't necessarily feel too old considering it's Sci-fi. The effects are great for its time and the story takes you right in. William Hurt plays an excellent self-absorbed genius scientist that obsesses about his work.
The only annoyance in this movie is his fellow scientist "superior", not to be confused by his scientist friend (the guy that played Russell Dowripple in Seinfeld). He constantly is the Scully to his Mulder. He refuses to believe anything happened throughout the movie.
Altered states is definitely a great, trippy ride loaded with religious soul-searching as well as some thoughts on our connection to our past.Absorbing, scary, and vivid - clauditorium
A scientist performs experiments on himself, with disturbing results.
An absorbing, scary, and vivid fantasy film with a great music score and a mesmerizing, jolting climax. William Hurt makes a very appealing mad scientist. Reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and apparently later an influence on Hellraiser.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Altered Memories... Forever! - Quindog
This is more of a recollection – not a review as such.
30 years later and I can still remember that isolation chamber with the water in it!
To me that is one of the signs of a great movie; when some scenes just get burned into your memory to ...Definitely worth your time - Boogeypop
Although this did come out the year I was born (1980) it certainly doesn't necessarily feel too old considering it's Sci-fi. The effects are great for its time and the story takes you right in. William Hurt plays an excellent self-absorbed genius scientist ...Absorbing, scary, and vivid - clauditorium
A scientist performs experiments on himself, with disturbing results.
An absorbing, scary, and vivid fantasy film with a great music score and a mesmerizing, jolting climax. William Hurt makes a very appealing mad scientist. Reminiscent of 2001: A Space ...