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      Altered States

      1980, Sci-fi, 1h 43m

      48 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

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      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

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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):  wide

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

      • Production Co: Warner Bros.

      • Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby

      Cast & Crew

      William Hurt
      Blair Brown
      Bob Balaban
      Charlie Haid
      Thaao Penghlis
      Dori Brenner
      Peter Brandon
      Drew Barrymore
      Megan Jeffers
      Daniel Melnick
      John Corigliano
      Jordan Cronenweth
      Eric Jenkins
      Stuart Baird

      News & Interviews for Altered States

      Critic Reviews for Altered States

      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.
        Super Reviewer
      • Mar 01, 2014
        [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
        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.
        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.
        Super Reviewer

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