Storyline
A research scientist (William Hurt) explores the boundaries and frontiers of consciousness. Using sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic mixtures from native American shamans, he explores these altered states of consciousness and finds that memory, time, and perhaps reality itself are states of mind.
Directors
Cast
Drew Barrymore, William Hurt, Bob Balaban, George Gaynes, John Larroquette, Francis X. McCarthy, Jack Murdock, Blair Brown, Thaao Penghlis, Paul Larsson, John Walter Davis, Charles Haid, Miguel Godreau, Dori Brenner, Peter Brandon, Charles White-Eagle, Megan Jeffers, Deborah Baltzell, Evan Richards, Hap Lawrence
Trailer
Reviews
88
Altered States is a superbly silly movie, a magnificent entertainment, and a clever and brilliant machine for making us feel awe, fear, and humor.
80
Orchestrating the efforts of a superb production team — and of the reluctant Mr. Chayefsky — Russell has devised a film experience that will astound some viewers, outrage others and bore nobody. Laugh with it, scream at it, think about it.
63
Slant Magazine
The most interesting dimension of Altered States has to be the way Russell sexualizes Eddie’s relationship with godly figures, most notably symbols of Jesus, crucifixion, and his father.
60
Not one to let slow-building tension and mystery get in the way of wild flourishes of extremism and shock, Ken Russell hit upon a story that more or less handled his structural excesses and tendency toward blasphemy.
60
The film is in fine shape as long as it revels in its own craziness, making no claims on the viewer's reason. But when it asks you to believe that what you're watching may really be happening, and to wonder what it means, it is asking far too much.
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