Altered States (1980), directed by Ken Russell, isn't just a movie. It's a mind-blowing, universe-altering experience, blending elements of science-fiction, horror, cosmic philosophy, and mysticism. It's also a deeply powerful love story. Altered States is based on a 1978 novel by Paddy Chayefksy, the writer of such acclaimed films as Marty (1956), The Hospital (1972) and the beloved classic, Network (1977). The novel was inspired by the real-life experiments of Dr. John C. Lilly, who conducted research on sensory deprivation and how it alters human consciousness. Lily immersed himself and others in isolation tanks while under the influence of psychoactive drugs such as LSD, mescaline and ketamine, and recorded the experiences.
Chayefsky designed a fictionalized version of these events, focusing on Dr. Edward Jessup, who is researching other states of consciousness as part of his work with schizophrenic patients. This leads Jessup to more intense experiments in sensory experience. Chayefsky intended the work to be a serious look at the research conducted by scientists like Lilly, integrated with man's spiritual search for truth. The film version of Altered States began pre-production at Warner Brothers with Arthur Penn (Bonnie and Clyde) as director, and Chayefsky receiving full creative control over the project. Penn resigned from the film after a dispute with Chayefsky, and Ken Russell (The Devils, Tommy) was brought in as a replacement.
Russell's flamboyant visual style seemed to be a perfect fit for Chayefsky's imaginative story, but the two clashed frequently during production. Russell eventually disavowed the movie, and asked for his name to be taken off the film. The screenplay was credited to Chayefsky's pseudonym, Sidney Aaron. It's a shame that the conflicts with Russell soured Chayefsky on the project, because Altered States is a daring, one of a kind and awe-inspiring film. The top notch cast includes William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban and Charles Haid, who perform Chayefsky's pseudo-scienctific and quasi-philosophical dialogue in a rapid fire, Howard Hawks-ian style, a choice which irritated Chayefsky but suits the characters perfectly.
Altered States tells the story of Dr. Edward Jessup, a scientist obsessed with exploring altered states of consciousness through sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic drugs. What begins as intellectual curiosity quickly spirals into something more primal, as his experiments unlock not just his mind, but an evolutionary memory embedded in our DNA. Jessup's anchor is Emily, an anthropologist he meets at a faculty party, and later marries. Their connection is intense, intimate and passionate, but Jessup's quest to unlock the secrets of the universe threatens to derail their relationship. Jessup's colleagues Arthur Rosenberg and Mason Parrish alternately support and hinder his efforts, but cannot stop him from conducting even more dangerous and elaborate experiments.
Jessup is brilliantly portrayed by William Hurt, and he's matched by a phenomenal supporting cast, including Blair Brown as Emily, Bob Balaban as Arthur and Charles Haid as Mason, Jessup's partners in his epic research into the origins of humanity. Emily, whose love for Jessup is fierce nd strong, will have to save him from the phantasmagorical transformations he suffers as a result of his experiments, and bring him back to reality from the brink of the ultimate trip into another plane of existence. In the end, can true love triumph over scientific obsession and the power of the universe?
The film features brilliant special effects designed by Bran Ferren, and amazing makeup work by the legendary Dick Smith. The other worlds Eddie explores are visualized by surreal imagery: pulsating lights, religious iconography, and a psychedelic array of colors and sounds. His experiments also lead to some offbeat physical transformations. The hallucination sequences are the film’s centerpieces, and even by modern standards they retain a raw, disorienting power. There’s a tactile, almost grimy quality to the effects that make them feel more real and visceral than you'd likely experience via today's CGI creations. The film also features a great score by composer John Corigliano.
Chayefsky's script grapples with big ideas like states of consciousness, religion, and evolution. At times, the sharp dialogue feels like an extended philosophical discussion, punctuated by Russell's fever-dream imagery, which illustrates Jessup's forays into other realities. The intensity of both the characters and Jessup's quest is what makes Altered States unique and memorable. Few films are willing to go all in on such wild concepts, while ultimately becoming the story of two characters united via a deep emotional bond. Altered States often feels less like a conventional narrative and more like a full-on sensory experience, but it's really a love story between two people whose passion creates a universe all their own.
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