Altered States (1980) ****

"I feel...like my heart is being touched by Christ."

Altered States (1980), Ken Russell and Paddy Chayefsky's (who famously clashed) trippy existential psychological sci-fi body horror always leaves an impression, particularly the barrage of sound and images presented in the brilliant out-of-body scenes (looking better than ever via The Criterion Collection's 4K UHD). 

William Hurt, who went on to many memorable roles, shines in his feature film debut (fun fact: this was also Drew Barrymore's film debut). I've never seen Blair Brown in any other movies, but here she gives a dedicated, impassioned performance. John Corigliano's wonderful score was deservedly Oscar-nominated. Jordan Cronenweth, who two years later gifted us the astounding cinematography of Blade Runner (review), provided lots of beautifully lit compositions. The special effects and makeup—the former by Bran Ferren, the latter by the legendary Dick Smith—have a unique, tangible, and otherworldly feel that I love. The unforgettable finale of AS inspired the second, more popular, version of A-ha's video for "Take On Me" five years later.

Recommended for fans of Scanners (1981) (review), Videodrome (1983) (review), and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) (review).

Ken Russell Feature Films Ranked