Altered States Poster

Altered States 1980

★ 6.7741 votes103 min📅 1980-12-25

"In the basement of a university medical school, Dr. Jessup floats naked in total darkness. The most terrifying experiment in the history of science is out of control... and the subject is himself."

Dive into the mind-bending world of *Altered States (1980)*, directed by the audacious Ken Russell. This psychological horror-thriller follows Dr.

Director: Ken Russell

Cast

William Hurt
William Hurt
Professor Eddie Jessup
Blair Brown
Blair Brown
Emily Jessup
Bob Balaban
Bob Balaban
Arthur Rosenberg
Charles Haid
Charles Haid
Mason Parrish
Thaao Penghlis
Thaao Penghlis
Echeverria
Miguel Godreau
Primal Man
Dori Brenner
Dori Brenner
Sylvia Rosenberg
Peter Brandon
Peter Brandon
Hobart
Charles White-Eagle
Charles White-Eagle
The Brujo
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore
Margaret Jessup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Altered States (1980) about?

*Altered States (1980)* follows Dr. Eddie Jessup, a scientist who experiments with sensory deprivation and hallucinogens to explore the boundaries of human consciousness. As his mind unravels, he confronts terrifying visions of his past, forcing him to question the nature of reality and identity.

Who directed Altered States?

Ken Russell, known for his bold and visually extravagant films like *The Music Lovers* and *Tommy*, directed *Altered States (1980)*.

Who stars in Altered States?

William Hurt leads the cast as Dr. Eddie Jessup, with Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, and Thaao Penghlis delivering standout performances in this psychological thriller.

Is Altered States (1980) worth watching?

*Altered States (1980)* is a cult classic that blends horror, sci-fi, and psychological depth into a uniquely unsettling experience. While not for the faint of heart, its daring exploration of consciousness and Russell's bold direction make it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking horror.

How long is Altered States?

The runtime of *Altered States* is 103 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Altered States (1980) — A Mind-Bending Horror-Thriller from Ken Russell

Dive into the mind-bending world of *Altered States (1980)*, directed by the audacious Ken Russell. This psychological horror-thriller follows Dr. Eddie Jessup as he pushes the limits of human perception through radical experiments in sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic tribal mixtures. As his mind fractures and reality blurs, Jessup confronts the fragile boundaries between memory, time, and existence itself. With a haunting atmosphere of dread and surreal visuals, Russell crafts a chilling exploration of consciousness that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

William Hurt stars in this unsettling journey, backed by an ensemble cast including Blair Brown and Bob Balaban, delivering performances that amplify the film's nightmarish intensity. Blending science fiction and psychological horror, *Altered States (1980)* challenges viewers to question what it means to be human—where science meets madness, and the deepest corners of the mind become the most terrifying frontier.