The Most Surreal Sci-Fi Horror Is Based on a Real-Life Scientist (& He Actually Liked It)
Sci-fi horror fans unite! This 80s classic needs some love and appreciation. Based on the real-life experiments of John C. Lilly, the movie goes above and beyond.
Horror films come in all shapes and sizes, I already know. There's no boundaries and the possibilities are absolutely endless. Thinking that I know every single horror there is, I stumbled upon a movie that is completely different from anything I've seen before. This left quite an impression on me and my already-tired-of-horror heart.
The movie is a blend of sci-fi and horror with the insanely beautiful and surreal visuals. As all sci-fi movies, the research that was done for this one is impressive. And just like all horror, the movie never fails to leave you disturbed and extremely terrified.
Altered States (1980) Is Based on a Real Scientific Studies
Based on Paddy Chayefsky's novel of the same name, Altered States is heavily inspired by the research of John C. Lilly, a pioneer in sensory deprivation experiments.
John C. Lilly was a neuroscientist who invented isolation tanks and also spent countless hours floating in them while exploring various states of consciousness. His work provided the foundation for what became one of the most ambitious science fiction horror films ever made.
But back to the movie. It follows a scientist who combines sensory deprivation with psychedelic substances, leading to visions he believes are genetic memories. Feels familiar, I bet.
Altered Minds Is an Accurate Portrayal of Real-Life Experiments
The hallucination sequences are where Altered States truly shines and it is no surprise. Lilly himself praised the film.
“I think they did a good job. The hallucination scenes are much better than anything ever produced before. I understand that some of the crew, the actors, and the producers were trained on K [ketamine],” he said in an interview to Omni Magazine (via Where to Float)
If John C. Lilly tells you that something is legit, you need to listen as he, like no one else, knows what he's talking about. In the same interview he also noted:
“The scene in which the scientist becomes cosmic energy and his wife grabs him and brings him back to human form is straight out of my Dyadic Cyclone [1976].”
Altered States Is the First Ever Movie Role for William Hurt and Drew Barrymore
Besides its scientific basis and a commitment to absolutely shock you with its surrealism, Altered States marks the debut of two Hollywood icons: William Hurt (who got the main part) and a young Drew Barrymore (who made her debut with a minor role).
Overall, Altered States delivers a unique experience that still feels fresh 45 years later. I am yet to watch another movie this trippy and bizarre. You can catch this classic on Fandango at Home, Amazon Video or Apple TV+.
