Idyllwild Arts Academy Film History: Film #6 Fall Semester Altered States

British filmmaker Ken Russell's 1980 science fiction masterpiece ALTERED STATES is a bit of a forgotten gem in the genre. It deals with serious metaphysical issues, the origin of life, race memory, concepts of religion and what lies beyond this mortal coil. Russell, no stranger to controversy (See his earlier films Tommy, The Devils, Gothic to name a few) parted ways with screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky (who had his name remove from the credits) due to creative differences.

Based on Chayefsky's novel about a scientist's dangerous experimentation with sensory depravation tanks which was in turn loosely based on John C. Lilly's sensory deprivation research conducted in isolation tanks under the influence of psychoactive drugs like ketamine and LSD.(1)

William Hurt (In his FIRST feature film role) plays Dr Edward Jessup a Harvard professor looking for the origins of life by using physchoactive drugs in conjunction isolation tanks. The result is a genetic change in his physical structure-taking him back to early stages of homo-sapien development. Ultimately the regression continues until

At the heart of the film is a powerful love story. ALTERED STATES carefully walks the line between genres. It is a romance, a science fiction adventure, an experimental exercise, a drama and a psychological thriller all running at pace. Yet it isn't confused about it's convictions. It draws you deep into it's hallucinatory maze and dares you to find your way out.

Russell's film takes the experiment of the book and ups the ante. Using bizarre hallucinatory montages and hypnotically serene photography (By Blade Runner DP Jordan Cronenweth) Russell slowly pulls you into Jessup's madness. One of AS outstanding technical achievements are the amazing make up effects of Dick Smith. Known throughout the industry as Godfather of make-up effects, STATES represents some of his most interesting works to date which included full body and face transformations of actor William Hurt. Other standout technical work are the opening credits by R Greenberg associates and Bran Feren's optical effects and animation.