29 March 2024
Altered States (1980)
103 min.
Directed by Ken Russell.
With William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, Charles Haid, Dori Brenner, Thaao Penghlis.
Science professor Hurt immerses himself in sensory deprivation studies, only to experience genetic regression with horrific results.

Russell's hallucinatory imagery ranges from imaginative to indulgent.

The unredeeming characterizations are uplifted by convincing performances, but best assets are John Corigliano's brilliant Oscar-nominated score and Dick Smith's stunning make-up effects.

Most notorious for having been disowned by writer Paddy Chayefsky, who adapted his own novel for the screen.

Not for all tastes, but many genuine scares to go around.

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