Additional Films and Guests, Screen Share
With its totally unrestrained, mind-bending use of special effects, Ken Russell’s visionary first foray into Hollywood filmmaking is one of the most intense, exhilarating stylistic achievements of the 1980s.
Using a sensory deprivation tank, psychophysiologist Edward Jessup (William Hurt) conducts experiments involving human consciousness using himself as the subject. His research intensifies when hallucinogenic compounds make him regress to primitive stages of human evolution, where he transforms into an ape-like monster that stalks the city. As Jessup’s dangerous quest carries him back to the origins of life, only the strong-willed love of his devoted anthropologist wife (Blair Brown) can save him. [103 min; sci-fi, drama; English]
The Cinema is thrilled to welcome back the Weird Studies podcast for a post-film live taping of their show, during which they will discuss the film. Want to keep the conversation going? Join Weird Studies co-hosts Phil Ford and J.F. Martel at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on January 29 at 7pm for Weird Academia. This event brings together artists and thinkers from both inside and outside the academy to stage an encounter with the Weird: the occult, mysticism, hauntings, telepathy, UFOs, spirit mediumship, and other notions that seldom find a home in mainstream academia.
Phil Ford is an associate professor of musicology at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and is the author of the book Dig: Sound and Music in Hip Culture. J.F. Martel is an author, screenwriter, and film and TV director. His screen work includes French- and English-language documentary series and features focused on culture and the arts.
“Altered States is a total cinematic experience that aims to work directly on the emotions but at the same time... it doesn't insult the intelligence while doing so.” — John Brosnan, Starburst
“Altered States ignites some kind of fire that keeps the collective unconscious warm and the capacity for personal human inquiry ablaze. It's one of the best films that questions why we're here.” — Jim Laczkowski, Voices & Visions
"A sensationalist head-trip, swirling us up in one man's desire to resurrect his 'more primitive self,' Altered States remains luridly intense." — Brian Gibson, Vue Weekly
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
