Altered States (1980)
102 min -
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A Harvard scientist conducts experiments on himself with a hallucinatory drug and an isolation chamber that may be causing him to regress genetically. Director:Ken Russell |
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another
1 win
&
4 nominations
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Top Billed Cast
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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William Hurt | ... | |
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Blair Brown | ... | |
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Bob Balaban | ... | |
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Charles Haid | ... | |
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Thaao Penghlis | ... | |
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Miguel Godreau | ... |
Primal Man
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Dori Brenner | ... |
Sylvia Rosenberg
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Peter Brandon | ... | |
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Charles White-Eagle | ... | |
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Drew Barrymore | ... | |
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Megan Jeffers | ... |
Grace Jessup
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Jack Murdock | ... |
Hector Orteco
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Francis X. McCarthy | ... |
Obispo
(as Frank McCarthy)
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Deborah Baltzell | ... |
Schizophrenic Patient
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Evan Richards | ... |
Young Rosenberg
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Storyline
An American researching different states of consciousness with the aid of mind altering drugs and an isolation chamber begins to experience disturbing physical changes in his body that point toward an evolutionary regression. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Plot Summary | Add Synopsis | Keywords (Spoiler Alert!) »Taglines:
When he heard his cry for help it wasn't human See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »Fun Facts
Trivia
Some footage of "hell" in the hallucinations are from the movie Dante's Inferno taken from a dream sequence. See more »Goofs
Revealing mistakes: During the hallucination sequence in the cave, the pyrotechnic charges underneath the mushroom-shaped rock are visible as it elevates, as is the wire lifting it up. See more »Quotes
[First line]Arthur Rosenberg: The tank itself was unusual in that it was vertical, and looked like an old boiler.
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
25 December 1980 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Estados alterados See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$174,650 (USA) (28 December 1980) (3 Screens)Gross:
$174,650 (USA) (28 December 1980)Company Credits
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Who'd guess that one of the finest psychedelic films wouldn't be released in the late 60s or early 70s but 1980! "Altered States" ranks up there with "El Topo", "2001", and "Performance" as the finest film about hallucinogenics. Don't expect this to be any mere pretentious trip film geared to appeal primarily to stoners. "Altered States" is an intelligent film that shows more and more depth upon repeated viewings. It may be a head-trip movie, but you don't need to be on drugs to enjoy and appreciate this film.
This is probably Ken Russel's best film. Russel is mostly known for gaudy and over-the-top camp such as "Tommy" and "The Devils". This is one of his most surprising films because for once he keeps his visual excess under control. Its only during the hallucinations that you're reminded this is a Ken Russel film. The effects during these sequences are fantastic and probably the highlight of the entire film. The acting is also first-rate if largely overwhelmed by Russel's direction and the screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
The only minor complaint I have is the transformation sequence. When Hurt turns into a gorilla, it goes from being surreal to outright silly. Still, this is a Ken Russel film so I guess he had to include a bit of camp. Its still entertaining and not distracting enough to detract from the film's overall brilliance. (8/10)