Altered States

1980, Sci-fi, 1h 43m

48 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

Extraordinarily daring for a Hollywood film, Altered States attacks the viewer with its inventive, aggressive mix of muddled sound effects and visual pyrotechnics. Read critic reviews

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Altered States Photos

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980)

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Movie Info

Respected scientist and psychology professor Edward Jessup (William Hurt) decides to combine his experiments in sensory deprivation tanks with powerful hallucinogenic drugs, convinced that it may help him unlock different states of consciousness. The experiments are a success at first, but as Jessup continues his work, he begins to experience altered mental and also physical states. As he spends more time in sensory deprivation, his grip on reality begins to slip away.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Sci-fi
Original Language:

English
Director:

Ken Russell
Producer:

Howard Gottfried
Writer:

Paddy Chayefsky
Release Date (Theaters):

Dec 25, 1980 wide
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 15, 2000
Runtime:

1h 43m
Distributor:

Warner Bros. Pictures
Sound Mix:

Surround, Dolby

Cast & Crew

William Hurt
Professor Eddie Jessup

Blair Brown
Emily Jessup

Bob Balaban
Arthur Rosenberg

Charlie Haid
Mason Parrish

Thaao Penghlis
Prof. Eduardo Eccheverria

Miguel Godreau
Primal Man

Show all Cast & Crew

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Critic Reviews for Altered States

All Critics (48) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (7)

Full Review… Richard Corliss TIME Magazine

Full Review… Ian Nathan Empire Magazine

Full Review… Nick Schager Lessons of Darkness

Full Review… Variety Staff Variety

Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader

Full Review… Jennifer Selway Time Out

Full Review… John Brosnan Starburst

Full Review… Jim Laczkowski Voices & Visions

Full Review… Peter Sobczynski The Spool

Full Review… Larry Vitacco Philadelphia Gay News

Full Review… Diego Galán El Pais (Spain)

Full Review… Brian Gibson Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)

View All Critic Reviews (48)

Audience Reviews for Altered States

Sep 27, 2015

Altered States is a fun watch. It is at times crazy, (unintentionally?) silly, melodramatic, and serious. William Hurt makes for an interesting mad scientist. Also, the film features some bits of the horror/grotesque movie magic characteristic of 80s films. Altered States is not a heavy film but it is a fun one.

Robert B Super Reviewer
Mar 01, 2014

[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]

Directors C Super Reviewer
Apr 12, 2012

A brilliantly well executed sci-fi drama, reminiscent of Cronenberg's most memorable works with the added value of some of the most striking effects/audio sequences I recall seeing in any movie. LSD trip can't be too far from this. Also, the story is the classic one of a scientist exploring what he shouldn't with daring consequences. Nothing on the dramas presented (problems with the colleagues tired of warning him, lost loves/family, etc.) but everything is so confident on it's execution and acting, it's hard not to care for what happens to these people. I feel it gets a bit lost towards the end on some of the most memorable sequences which don't add anything particulary relevant, but what you have is still class.

Francisco G Super Reviewer
Feb 25, 2012

There is one absolutely ridiculous and cheesy sequence involving a poorly made-up caveman, but otherwise Altered States is a fairly engaging visual spectacle with a handful of mesmerizing psychedelic hallucination scenes. Worth seeing for the intense special effects sequences.

Joey S Super Reviewer

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