Better than 'Laser Cats'. Just.

The production values haven't aged well, and actually were already 'campy Ken Russell over-the-top GOOFY' when the movie was new in 1980. A psychedelic amoeba slide show represents a professor's genetic regression - really? Russell is a high school film student compared to Kubrick (2001). These cheesy, unintentionally funny special effects were pioneered in the 1960s, ala 'Barbarella'. By 1980 they were ridiculous. Like 'Laser Cats', they look okay if you're high and want a mild amusement.

Like all of Ken Russell's movies, 'Altered States' is barely a decent tongue-in-cheek time-waster. (Read John C. Lilly's 'Center of the Cyclone' instead.) However, the lovely Blair Brown does her heroic best.

I understand there's a taste for Russell's sort of shlock, but IMO it's for those whose ass chews bubblegum.
Now THAT'S some taste!



While in the isolation tank, William Hurt actually hallucinated that he could act.