THE DANMAN CAN

"The American people want somebody to articulate their rage for them." "He's saying that life is bullshit and it is!" "Music up with a swell; final commercial. And here are a few scenes from next week's show." Sidney Lumet Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors

" 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...

I hadn't watched Altered States  (1980) in almost a decade (when the Blu-ray was released). I’m fairly certain I had seen the film once or twice prior to that viewing, but either way I remembered it quite well.  William Hurt , who very recently passed away, had many memorable film roles in the past 41+ years. It's incredible to think that this was his feature film debut (fun fact: this was also Drew Barrymore 's film debut).  Jordan Cronenweth , who two years later gifted us the astounding cinematography of  Blade Runner   ( review ), here provides lots of beautifully lit compositions. The special effects and makeup—the latter by the legendary Dick Smith —can appear dated by today's standards, but there is a unique, tangible, and otherworldly approach to them that I can't help but love. Ken Russell 's trippy psychological sci-fi body horror definitely leaves an impression, particularly the barrage of sound and images presented in the out-of-body scenes. The unfo...