Altered States

Altered States is a 1980 American experimental science-fiction horror film directed by Ken Russell and adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from his 1978 novel. Lilly's sensory-deprivation research, it follows Harvard psychopathologist Edward Jessup (William Hurt in his film debut) who combines isolation-tank experiments with hallucinogenic drugs and undergoes physical devolution. The film was distributed by Warner Bros., premiered December 25, 1980, and was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Sound. This entry is a film presented as 'Sci-Fi Night: Altered States (1980)' at Arcata Theatre Lounge, not a touring musical act.