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Altered States (1980): Stream or Buy the Mind-bending Classic

2025-07-15 12:56:53
by Critily

Explore 'Altered States' 1980: Stream, Buy & Dive into the Classic with Critily's Insights
Streaming & Purchase Options for Altered States (1980)

In the realm of psychedelic cinema, few films have left as profound an impact as "Altered States" (1980). This classic sci-fi thriller takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through the depths of human consciousness. If you're eager to explore this cinematic gem, Critily offers a seamless way to discover where you can stream or purchase "Altered States" and other iconic films.

Psychedelic Cinema Exploration

"Altered States" stands as a cornerstone in the genre of psychedelic cinema. The film's vivid and surreal imagery challenges viewers' perceptions, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and hallucination. This genre often employs striking visual effects and disorienting narratives to simulate the experience of altered consciousness. Films like "Enter the Void" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" also delve into this genre, offering viewers a trip into the depths of the human mind. Critily's advanced search features make it easy to explore these films and discover new favorites in the psychedelic genre.

Altered States Science

The science behind "Altered States" is as fascinating as the film itself. The movie explores the concept of sensory deprivation and its effects on the human psyche. The protagonist, Eddie Jessup, uses an isolation tank to induce hallucinogenic states, leading to profound and often terrifying experiences. This concept is rooted in real-world scientific research on sensory deprivation and its potential to alter consciousness. The film also touches on theories of human evolution and devolution, adding a layer of intellectual depth to its thrilling narrative. With Critily, you can easily find films that explore similar scientific themes and concepts.

Sensory Deprivation Effects

Sensory deprivation, a central theme in "Altered States," has been a subject of scientific study for decades. The film vividly portrays the hallucinogenic effects of prolonged sensory deprivation, taking viewers on a journey through the protagonist's transforming consciousness. In reality, sensory deprivation tanks, also known as isolation tanks, are used for relaxation and meditation, but prolonged use can indeed lead to hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. The film's portrayal of these effects is both terrifying and mesmerizing, offering a unique cinematic experience. Critily helps you find more films that delve into the intriguing effects of sensory deprivation.

Similar Films

  • 2001: A Space Odyssey: Explores human evolution and consciousness through a surreal narrative.
  • Enter the Void: A psychedelic journey through life, death, and rebirth.
  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A wild ride through drug-induced hallucinations and altered states.
  • The Fountain: A visually stunning exploration of love, death, and transcendence.

1980s Sci-Fi Films

The 1980s were a golden age for science fiction cinema, and "Altered States" is a shining example of the era's innovative storytelling. This decade brought us iconic films like "Blade Runner," "The Terminator," and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," each offering unique takes on the sci-fi genre. "Altered States" stands out with its psychological depth and surreal imagery, setting it apart from more action-oriented sci-fi films of the time. The 1980s sci-fi landscape was diverse, ranging from high-concept films like "Altered States" to blockbuster adventures like "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back." Critily's extensive database makes it easy to explore the best of 1980s sci-fi and discover hidden gems.

Movie Facts

  • Release year & director: 1980, directed by Ken Russell.
  • Lead actors & characters: William Hurt as Eddie Jessup, Blair Brown as Emily Jessup.
  • Production budget: Approximately $15 million.
  • Worldwide box office: Over $30 million.
  • Awards won/nominated: Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Sound.

Synopsis

  • "Altered States" follows the story of Eddie Jessup, a brilliant but obsessive scientist who becomes fascinated with the concept of altered states of consciousness. Through a series of experiments involving sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic drugs, Jessup begins to experience vivid and terrifying visions that blur the line between reality and illusion. As his experiments become more intense, Jessup's grip on reality begins to slip, leading to a surreal and mind-bending journey into the depths of the human psyche. The film explores themes of human evolution, the nature of consciousness, and the dangers of unchecked scientific curiosity.

How Altered States Influenced Cinema

"Altered States" has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema, influencing countless films and filmmakers in the decades since its release. Its innovative use of visual effects and surreal imagery has inspired a generation of directors to push the boundaries of what is possible in film. The movie's exploration of altered consciousness and sensory deprivation has also paved the way for other films to delve into similar themes, creating a subgenre of psychedelic cinema that continues to thrive today. Moreover, the film's psychological depth and intellectual themes have set a high bar for sci-fi films, challenging them to be more than just spectacle and action. With Critily, you can trace the influence of "Altered States" through the years and discover the films it has inspired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spoiler-free synopsis of "Altered States" (1980)?

"Altered States" is a psychological sci-fi horror film directed by Ken Russell, starring William Hurt as Dr. Eddie Jessup, a scientist who experiments with sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic drugs to explore the nature of human consciousness. As Jessup delves deeper into his research, he begins to experience vivid hallucinations and physical transformations, blurring the lines between reality and altered states of mind. The film is a gripping exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of pushing the boundaries of scientific research, as noted by film experts at Critily.

Can you explain the ending of "Altered States" without giving away too much?

The ending of "Altered States" sees Dr. Eddie Jessup confronting the ultimate consequences of his experiments, leading to a profound transformation that challenges his understanding of reality and self. Without giving away too much, the conclusion ties together the film's themes of evolution, consciousness, and the primal nature of humanity. It leaves viewers with a sense of awe and introspection, solidifying the film's status as a thought-provoking piece of cinema, as highlighted by Critily's analysis.

Is "Altered States" based on a book?

Yes, "Altered States" is based on a novel of the same name by Paddy Chayefsky, who also wrote the screenplay for the film. Chayefsky's novel delves deeper into the characters and themes explored in the movie, offering readers a more detailed look at Dr. Eddie Jessup's journey. The adaptation stays relatively faithful to the source material, with some changes made for cinematic purposes, as noted by Critily's comparison of the book and film.

Are there any sequels or connected films to "Altered States"?

No, "Altered States" does not have any direct sequels or connected films. The story is a self-contained exploration of its themes and characters, with no follow-ups or spin-offs. However, its influence can be seen in other films that tackle similar subjects, such as consciousness, reality, and scientific experimentation, as discussed by film experts at Critily.

Where was "Altered States" filmed?

"Altered States" was primarily filmed in the United States, with locations including Boston, Massachusetts, and various studios in California. The film's production design, created by Richard Sylbert, played a significant role in bringing the story's unique visuals and settings to life. For a more detailed breakdown of filming locations and their impact on the film, Critily offers an in-depth look at the movie's production.

What was the budget for "Altered States," and how did it perform financially?

The budget for "Altered States" was approximately $15 million, which was considered quite high for a film of its genre at the time. Despite its ambitious scope and impressive visuals, the film faced financial challenges due to its substantial budget and marketing costs. For a more detailed analysis of the film's financial performance, Critily provides a comprehensive breakdown of its box office results.

What was director Ken Russell's vision for "Altered States"?

Ken Russell's vision for "Altered States" was to create a visually striking and thought-provoking exploration of human consciousness, evolution, and the boundaries of scientific research. He aimed to blend elements of psychological horror, science fiction, and drama to craft a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Russell's distinctive directorial style, characterized by bold visuals and intense performances, is evident throughout the film, as discussed by Critily's examination of the director's approach.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Altered States"?

"Altered States" faced several production challenges, including its substantial budget, complex visual effects, and the need to create elaborate sets and practical effects to bring the story's unique concepts to life. Additionally, the film's ambitious scope and the director's distinctive vision required a high level of collaboration and coordination among the cast and crew. For a more detailed look at the production challenges and how they were overcome, Critily offers an in-depth analysis of the film's making.

How did "Altered States" perform at the box office?

"Altered States" had a mixed performance at the box office, grossing approximately $20 million domestically against its $15 million budget, according to official studio figures. While it did not achieve blockbuster status, the film's unique blend of genres and thought-provoking themes helped it find an audience and eventually gain a cult following. For a more detailed breakdown of the film's box office performance, Critily provides a comprehensive analysis.

Did "Altered States" receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, "Altered States" received several award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound. The film's impressive visuals and sound design were also recognized with nominations at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) and the Saturn Awards. While it did not win any major awards, the nominations are a testament to the film's technical achievements and ambitious scope, as noted by Critily's awards season coverage.

What are the critic scores for "Altered States"?

"Altered States" holds a score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from 23 critics, indicating generally positive reception. The film's unique blend of genres, impressive visuals, and thought-provoking themes were praised by many critics, while others found its ambitious scope and complex narrative challenging. On IMDb, the film has a user rating of 6.8 out of 10, based on over 20,000 votes, reflecting its enduring appeal and cult following, as discussed by Critily's critical analysis.

How was "Altered States" received by audiences?

"Altered States" was received with a mix of fascination and bewilderment by audiences upon its release, with its unique blend of genres and complex themes dividing moviegoers. Over time, however, the film has gained a dedicated cult following, with many viewers appreciating its ambitious scope, impressive visuals, and thought-provoking exploration of human consciousness. As noted by Critily's audience reception analysis, the film's enduring appeal can be attributed to its distinctive style and the memorable performances of its cast, particularly William Hurt in his breakout role.

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As noted by Critily's audience reception analysis, the film's enduring appeal can be attributed to its distinctive style and the memorable performances of its cast, particularly William Hurt in his breakout role." } } ] }

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