Altered States (1980)

Based on a real life researcher, this follows the intellectual exploits of a young university professor, Jessup (William Hurt), who becomes obsessed with locating his original genetic self, based on the theory that genetic memory exists, dating back billions of years. He attempts all this via drugs and senses-deprivation states, changing or expanding his mind processes. The story covers several years in his life, that of his wife (Blair Brown) and his two associates (Bob Balaban & Charles Haid), beginning with how he met his future wife and skipping to a point when they have two small children as the marriage begins to unravel.  Though Jessup should be on top of the world, with a prestigious job of full professor and with the only woman who would probably put up with his craziness, he is essentially frustrated and depressed. He seeks answers that may be impossible to get - the old ones about purpose of existence and the whys, the wherefores and mysteries of life that plague the minds of thoughtful men. The popular image for this film is the deprivation tank that Jessup relies on more and more as the story progresses - it's seems like an escape for him, from the rigidness of reality. Eventually, he experiences physical transformation, an unexpected side effect of what should have been strictly a cerebral exercise.
This was made to order for director Ken Russell, who had by then become a specialist in psychedelic imagery and surrealism.  The story (and novel) were by Paddy Chayefsky, who imparts his usual wordy dialog and speechifying, but the visuals are all Russell: this begins early, with Jessup experiencing various mind trips, usually chaotic religious imagery involving God and the Devil.  These don't make too much sense - and we don't expect them to (after all, these are products of an addled mind) - but they're always interesting to glimpse.  This escalates to, first, an actual transformation into a simian form and then finally the bizarre light & freak show for the finale, where-in Jessup has probably tapped into some kind of primordial state of being. The startling aspect to this last bit is how his wife suddenly gets 'infected' by the same transformation...

Hurt is very good in the role - impressive in that this was his first starring role and first film role ever. He suggests a slightly disturbed mind, despite the high intelligence.  There are more blatant samples of his weirdness in the course of the film, such as his wife's commentary on his intense approach to sex. Brown as his wife is also very good, as are Balaban and Haid, though the latter overacts a bit, especially in his arguments and outrage over Jessup's experimenting. This was made at a time when some sf films still attempted to explore intellectual premises, even though it was already after Star Wars, and this one doesn't preach or beat the viewer over the head with it, despite Russell's garish style. It's thought-provoking overall and aimed at adults. BoG's Score: 7.5 out of 10


Altered Trivia: first film role for Hurt, who had only done a couple of TV guest spots and acted on stage before this; also first role for Drew Barrymore as one of the little kids; she went on to E.T. (1982). Very early small bit part for John Larroquette.