Altered States
A brilliant but obsessive psycho-physiologist plunges into drug-fueled sensory experiments that make evolutionary memory and cosmic transformation terrifyingly tangible.
Overview
A mind-bending journey into the depths of human consciousness and genetic memory awaits.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- surreal
- eerie
- feverish
- late night viewing
- surreal horror marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly admire the film's dazzling visual effects, eccentric ambition, and intense performances while finding its abstract dialogue and strained resolution uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Eddie Jessup repeatedly prioritizes sensory-deprivation and drug experiments over stability with Emily and his colleagues.
The tank visions and bodily regressions are presented through elaborate surreal effects sequences.
Jessup combines laboratory experimentation with Mexican ritual substances and beliefs about genetic memory.
Jessup's altered states materialize as visions, regressions, and transformations that challenge the boundary between mind and body.
Films like Altered States, and why
The Fly
Shares visceral science fiction horror, experimental transformation, and unsettling metaphysical inquiry.
Jacob's Ladder
Combines psychedelic imagery, altered consciousness, and ambitious speculative ideas with intense psychological drama.
Videodrome
Features surreal body transformation and existential horror rooted in scientific experimentation.
The Cell
Pairs cerebral science fiction with spectacular, reality-distorting visual effects and philosophical themes.
Movie Details
- Director
- Ken Russell
- Release Date
- 1980-12-25
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (805)
Cast
- William Hurt
- Blair Brown
- Bob Balaban
- Charles Haid
- Thaao Penghlis
- Miguel Godreau
- Dori Brenner
- Peter Brandon
- Charles White-Eagle
- Drew Barrymore
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Altered States about?
- A brilliant but obsessive psycho-physiologist plunges into drug-fueled sensory experiments that make evolutionary memory and cosmic transformation terrifyingly tangible.
- What is Altered States like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Altered States as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Altered States violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Altered States as moderate.
- What did critics think of Altered States?
- Critics broadly admire the film's dazzling visual effects, eccentric ambition, and intense performances while finding its abstract dialogue and strained resolution uneven.
- Which films are like Altered States?
- Films with a similar feel include The Fly, Jacob's Ladder, Videodrome, and The Cell.
- How long is Altered States?
- Altered States runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Altered States?
- In United States, Altered States is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
