Altered States

Liberally adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from the life and ideas of neuroscientist and psychonaut John C. Lilly, this barmy slice of sci-fi horror pretty much ensured Ken Russell’s blacklisting in Hollywood.

Liberally adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from the life and ideas of neuroscientist and psychonaut John C. Lilly, this barmy slice of sci-fi horror pretty much ensured Ken Russell’s blacklisting in Hollywood. Nonetheless it stands up well today, with William Hurt in his first film role voyaging into the outer reaches with the help of a flotation tank and a heavy dose of hallucinogens. Also features the screen debut of Drew Barrymore, and the always-watchable Bob Balaban.

Part of Film Bug and Cafe Neuro, across Colmore Business District from 20-23 March.