10 Hidden Meanings Behind Confusing Horror Movies
3. Altered States
Late English filmmaker Ken Russell was known for his uniquely provocative and extravagant aesthetic (just look at his 1975 cinematic adaption of The Who’s Tommy), and his 1980 interpretation of Paddy Chayefsky’s novel Altered States is easily among his finest works in that respect.
As is probably evident from the title, the sci-fi frights of Altered States derive from the metaphysical investigations and reality-breaking revelations of psychopathologist Edward Jessup.
You see, Edward is dedicated to understanding different planes of existence, evolution, and consciousness, as well as the traumatic passing of his father and various theological allegories. To do so, he and his colleagues mess around with sleep deprivation tanks and untested hallucinogens, resulting in Edward losing himself to his scientific studies regardless of the consequences to his relationships, psyche, and even physical health.
Altered States is so persistently bizarre, unconventional, weighty, and complex that South Park parodied its final scene back in 2006.
Yet, repeated watches absolutely permit its absorbing commentaries on human nature and the meaning of existence to rise to the surface. Whether taken literally or metaphorically (or both), Edward’s obsessive quest to comprehend history, spirituality, love, and his greater purpose is endlessly fascinating and relatable.