Altered States (1980)

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The ultimate cinematic head trip of the 1980s, British renegade Ken Russell's first Hollywood film adapted by the legendary screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky from his own novel is part hallucinogenic freak-out, part gonzo creature feature, part transcendent love story, all played at a fever pitch. When researcher Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) begins using himself as a test subject for his mind-expanding psychological experiments, it sends him on an increasingly dangerous, substance-fueled odyssey from humankind's primordial past to the outer limits of consciousness. It's all visualized by Russell in a psychedelic supernova of out-there imagery that encompasses everything from the pagan to the cosmic sublime, culminating in a brain-wave-blasting battle between the mind and the heart.

Research scientist Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) believes other states of consciousness are as real as everyday reality. Using sensory deprivation, then adding powerful, hallucinogenic drugs, he explores these altered states..and endures experiences that make madness seem a blessing. Academy award winner William Hurt as Jessup (his film debut) heads a solid cast featuring Blair brown, bob balaban and Charles had. Working from paddy Chayefskys novel, director ken Russell guides us with a sorcerers skill through eddies magical and horrific journey as Altered States gyrates with dazzling visual bravado and bracing emotional impact.