Altered States
A research scientist explores the boundaries and frontiers of human consciousness. Using sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic mixtures from Native American shamans, he explores these altered states of cognizance and finds that memory, time, and reality itself are states of mind.
Critics Sentiment
Edward emerges bloody from tank, X-rays show gorilla bone structure
Edward returns to the US with Hinchi potion sample for further experimentation
The film drops significantly from the powerful Hinchi ritual hallucinations to the flat scientific exposition of Edward's return, then builds back up through the isolation tank experiments.
Altered States maintains strong audience appreciation throughout most of its runtime, with particular praise for the hallucinatory sequences and William Hurt's committed performance. While some find the scientific dialogue flat and the caveman sequence excessive, the film's bold visual concepts and genuine horror elements keep viewers engaged. The ending divides critics between those who appreciate the emotional resolution and those who find it anticlimactic compared to the mind-bending journey.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 27
William Hurt
Professor Eddie Jessup
Blair Brown
Emily Jessup
Bob Balaban
Arthur Rosenberg
Charles Haid
Mason Parrish
Thaao Penghlis
Echeverria
Miguel Godreau
Primal Man
Dori Brenner
Sylvia Rosenberg
Peter Brandon
Hobart
Charles White-Eagle
The Brujo
Drew Barrymore
Margaret Jessup
Megan Jeffers
Grace Jessup
Jack Murdock
Hector Orteco
Francis X. McCarthy
Obispo
Deborah Baltzell
Schizophrenic Patient
Evan Richards
Young Rosenberg
Paul Larsson
Charlie Thomas
John Larroquette
X-Ray Technician
George Gaynes
Dr. Wissenschaft
Hap Lawrence
Endocrinology Fellow
John Walter Davis
Medical Technician
Crew
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