Altered States (1980)
- Directed by
- Ken Russell
- Genre
- drama film, fantasy film, horror film, science fiction film, thriller film, science fiction horror film
- Country
- United States
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Rated
- R
- Rating
- 6.7 of 10 from 772 voters
- Elsewhere
- IMDb
The catalogue in 3D
The film shelves have a room of their own that you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real films from the same catalogue when you tell them what you feel like watching. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this film is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.
How it feels
A scientist experiments with sensory deprivation and psychoactive drugs to explore altered states of consciousness. His experiments trigger terrifying physical and psychological transformations.
trippyvisceralunsettlingcerebralsurrealintensefreneticbody-horror
What happens
Altered States is a 1980 American experimental surrealist science fiction horror film directed by Ken Russell, and adapted by playwright and screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky from his 1978 novel of the same name. The novel and the film are based in part on John C. Lilly's sensory deprivation research conducted in isolation tanks under the influence of psychoactive drugs like mescaline, ketamine, and LSD. The film features the elements of body and psychological horror. Chayefsky withdrew from the project after disputes with Russell and took his name off the credits, substituting "Sidney Aaron", his actual first and middle names. The film stars William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, and Charles Haid. It marked the film debut of Hurt and Drew Barrymore (in a small role). The film score was composed by John Corigliano and conducted by Christopher Keene. Warner Bros. gave the film a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 25, 1980, followed by a wide release in February 1981. The film garnered generally positive reviews from critics, and was nominated for Best Original Score and Best Sound at the 53rd Academy Awards. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)
More like this
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The Shining (1980)
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Scared to Death (1980)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
Peyote Queen (1965)
The Aliens Are Coming (1980)
The Thing (1982)- More like this film, on a shelf you can walk up to.It's the lit case on the top shelf.