Altered States

1980 • 102 minutes

About this movie

A Harvard scientist conducts experiments on himself with a hallucinatory drug and an isolation chamber that may be causing him to regress genetically.

Ratings and reviews

One of director Ken Russell's best films showcases his gift for intelligent characterisation and hallucinatory sequences. These said hallucinatory sequences that William Hurt's character (Eddie) experiences are startling and disturbing in equal measure. The film is never less than compelling to watch during the hallucination scenes and riveting during the intelligent moments when long talky moments are taking place. Unfortunately, the few scenes of animal cruelty in the film really leave a sour taste in the mouth and deny Altered States (1980) a full five star rating.

Good sci-fi has to make one think. In the film medium, it must resonate with the viewer. So many fall short but Altered States is quite profound and without being overly-complicated. I watched this on a train journey, a bit disrespectfully-so, as it turns-out. It STILL gripped me to the end. A cult gem.

I have been searching for this movie for a long time! The visuals are amazing. Especially the sphinx like woman turning into the sand dune. I think the director has captured the meaning of time itself. Highly recommend