Review of Altered States (1980) by Jimmy K — 14 Aug 2007

"The way I feel, I don't expect to go to sleep for a year. I'm on f****** fire!," states Arthur Rosenburg(Bob Balaban), a Harvard professor whose best friend is dabbling with the very truths of mankind. After watching Altered States, I found myself with the same emotions, as if I treaded a mile in the shoes of Professor Eddie Jessup(William Hurt). Jessup, a free-spirited scientist, attempts to discover the meaning of life through the use of a new-age sensory deprivation tank and hallucinatory drugs. He soon finds himself thrown over the threshold of reality after combining both the tank and drugs together, in what some may consider "the ultimate trip." But there's something different about Jessup's dance with consciousness, as he soon begins to undergo physiological changes for unknown periods of time. Confining himself in the tank, Jessup begins to get addicted to the enlightening experience, arising from the tank birthing new ideas that only drive him further to be desirably born again. As he continues to dive further and further into his experiment, his wife(Blair Brown), is left behind. Working around a ruined family, Jessup believes that he is on the path to unlocking the secrets of existence, but will man's beginning offer an end to his journey?

Altered States is a classic psychological thriller that toys with the purpose and existence of man. Released in 1980, Altered States, attempted to defy the style of the time, and offer a complete new outlook for the future of film. Special effects, driven by the simplistic use of basic images, colors, and fireworks, produces a realistic viewing experience. Without the use of CGI, the movie feels raw and complete, competing with other drug based films such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The interesting aspect about Altered States is that it digs deep into the ideas of life, without offering many answers. As soon as you think you've figured it all out, the movie tends to turn around and laugh in your face. I guarantee that one viewing will not be enough, and that you'll find yourself repeating Jessup's epiphany-like experiences with questions that may go unanswered. Altered States has the basic elements of a genre-defining movie, but many will feel that director Ken Russell tried a bit too hard. Superb acting and a powerful soundtrack tend to overshadow the confusing story, and offer the audience a dramatic and exciting experience. Nominated for two Academy Awards(Best Sound and Music), and a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year(Hurt), Altered States is an experience that will linger forever. I still find myself wanting to experience the sensory deprivation tank, just as Jessup did, to discover the ultimate truths of life, and become one with my inner being.

Altered States should be required viewing for sci-fi and psychological thriller fans. You will not be let down, but only intrigued by the doors this movie opens for the mind. Go in wanting to think, discover, and feel the complex yet powerful aspects of life itself. The deeper you dig, the more enlightened and intrigued you'll feel. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this movie is worth a million.