Review of Altered States (1980) by Danny R — 11 Jan 2012

A compelling, well-crafted, cleverly written conceptually ambitious sci-fi thriller stylishly directed by the late Ken Russell. About a brilliant Harvard research scientist Dr. Eddie Jessip, superbly played by William Hurt in a impressive film debut; Hurt delivers a psychologically convincing and physically striking performance of an obsessed scientist who believes that they are different states of consciousness, experimenting on himself in a sensory deprivation tank with a exotic hallucinogen drug in a effort to prove his theories in what he hopes will be the discovery of the ultimate truth, it will turn into a living nightmare for him; the experiment has gone completely out of control and disturbing physical changes in his body begin to happened to the point of evolutionary regression, when he begins to change his form into a ape-like creature ending up in the zoo, then returning into his normal form.

But now he is changing again into some kind unknown being, the forces that he has unlocked are now consuming him. The hallucinatory sequences are amazing, wonderfully inventive and frightening. The cast is marvelous with Bob Balaban and Charles Haid in two excellent supporting performances and the beautiful Blair Brown in a terrific turn as Jessup's wife Emily.

The special makeup effects by Dick Smith are amazing, as are the outstanding visual effects by Bran Ferren, special mention must be made of the extraordinary Oscar nominated score by John Corigliano and the late Jordan Cronenweth exquisite cinematography.

An intellectually, stimulating and exciting motion picture. Highly Recommended.