If you're looking for something off-the-rocker insane to watch, I suggest checking out Ken Russell's adaptation of Paddy Cheyefsky's novel Altered States. Released at the tail end of 1980, this sci-fi-horror epic tells the story of scientist Eddie Jessup (in his first movie role William Hurt) an abnormal psychology professor who is trying to discover altered states of consciousness by using a sensory deprivation tank. He travels to Mexico where he finds a tribe of natives who cook a fungus that has great hallucinogenic powers. He brings some of the concoction back to the States to experiment with in the flotation tank. Through his odd experiments he experiences many genetic deformities and his body becomes devolved to the state of a caveman. He wakes up back to normally in a zoo in the morning, much to the chagrin of his wife (Blair Brown). In his next "experiment" he regresses into primordial matter and has to be saved by his wife by physical intervention. He continues to experience episodes as his wife and his colleagues try to put an end to his experiments.
Featuring some still awe-inspiring special effects during the hallucinogenic scenes and capable acting from the lead and supporting players, Altered States is a film to check out if you are a sci-fi buff or just someone looking for a insane viewing experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment