Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) is a psychopathologist undergoing radical research, experimenting with psychedelic substances while immersing himself in a sensory deprivation tank. He hopes the research may help him further understand, or perhaps even cure, conditions like schizophrenia. Eddie starts having increasingly bizarre visions, bursting with bold colors and unthinkable imagery. Those visions fuel his desire to further his research, experimenting with extensive drug use, including ones from indigenous Mexican tribes. Before long, ideas of furthering research on schizophrenia become a thing of the past, and Eddie believes his research could be the key that unlocks our understanding of consciousness, memory, time, and reality itself.
That’s the gist of Altered States (1980), directed by British legend Ken Russell (most famous for his extremely divisive 1971 film The Devils, which was banned in numerous countries). Written by three-time Oscar-winner Paddy Chayefsky (Network), the film is a bold, adventurous science fiction film that benefits from the viewer not knowing much about the plot details (trust me, I’ve only touched on the very tip of the wacky iceberg in this movie). For fans of mind-bending, high-concept sci-fi, complete with a hearty dose of body horror, there are few films more compelling than Altered States. And a brand new 4K UHD Criterion release is the best possible way to experience it.
