KIS Blog: Altered States. by Lily Pelling, Allison Dubé, Erin Macklan

           
Altered States

1980

Directed by Ken Russell

Written by Paddy Chayefsky

Starring:

William Hurt

Blair Brown

Bob Balaban

Charles Haid

103 minutes

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67lYG7a4YOA

Synopsis

Altered States is a film based on a psychology professor named Eddie Jessup. In the early years of his career, Eddie decided to experiment using isolation tanks, also known as sensory deprivation tanks. These are dark and soundproof tanks, usually filled with saltwater, at body temperature, allowing people to float and experience different states of consciousness. Eddie first experimented with his students, but eventually used himself as the subject of his research. He achieved this with the help of two other scientists in his field, Arthur Rosenberg and Mason Parrish. During his research, Jessup hypothesized that these different states of consciousness could reveal the truth of existence.

He then decided to use untested hallucinogens with his sensory deprivation studies, with the hopes of intensifying his states of consciousness. His hallucinations started to strengthen drastically, and he experienced many intense states. One example was when he transformed into a protohuman, indicating that his experiences were being externalized.  Progressively, Jessup’s experiments became more and more dangerous. One incident was so threatening, that it lead him to bleed from his mouth, which was believed to be a seizure. These studies raised many concerns not only for himself but for those around him, including his colleagues and his wife, Emily. However, despite the concerns of others, he continued his research still with the hopes of finding the answer to his question.

In the final scene of the film, Eddie was experiencing an intense hallucination. His wife explained to Eddie that if he truly loves her he could overcome the energy consuming him. As she touches him, they both begin to transform. Eddie repeatedly and vigorously bangs himself against a wall trying to find the strength to overcome this, and after many attempts he returns to his “normal” state. He grabs Emily, and they both return back to normal. This demonstrates that the state of love is powerful enough to overcome Eddie’s experiences.

Cinematic Techniques

Editing:

Editing is a very broad term when it comes to the production of a movie because there are so many little things that can make such big differences in the final product. Editing is what creates things like connections between different scenes or the suspense of a chase scene for example. One of the editing techniques we found in the movie were short takes. For example, Emily Jessup and Eddie Jessup were introduced early in the movie but in order to demonstrate the course of their relationship and how it developed over time they jumped years ahead. It would take way too long in order to film all 7 years and so they compressed this time period. Another example found was in the last scene of the movie, Jessup was experiencing a very intense hallucination where the energy was consuming both him and Emily. This scene’s short takes were showing both sides of the hallucination; that of Emily and that of Eddie. Cutting back and forth between the two of them, although these events were happening simultaneously. The effectiveness of this technique allows us to follow the different scenes more easily with flow and coherence, while also intensifying the drama and suspense of the film.

Sound:

Sound within a movie contributes not only to the story but also to your entertainment. Two examples found in Altered States were internal diegetic- the first is while Jessup was in the isolation tank. There were voices whispering as part of his hallucination and so only Jessup was experiencing this- allowing us to also experience his hallucination. The second example is when Jessup was given a hallucinogen by a Mexican tribe. He was experiencing fireworks and very loud sounds but this was also only happening within his mind. The effectiveness of this technique is that it allows the audience to understand and also experience the inside of the characters mind, creating a move intimate relationship between the audience and the movie.

Lighting:

In the film Altered States, there is a wide variety of lighting. One example of bright lighting was when Emily first laid eyes on Eddie. Eddie was at the entrance of Arthur’s apartment and all that surrounded him was this bright, white light. He resembled a divine figure such as God. This high-key lighting represents a brighter environment; enhancing and exaggerating Jessup’s presence. Unlike the first example, the next is representative of low-key lighting; when Jessup and Emily had their first sexual encounter it was very dark- and not to be romantic. There were dark shadows with red lighting indicative of evil- resembling the colours found in hell; setting a weird mood.

Sets & Props:

Sets and props are used throughout the production of films “to help enhance a performance. It can make a scene feel more authentic or help actors play their role more adequately.” (Spurcreative) An example of a prop used in the movie was the isolation tank. This was an interesting prop because we had never seen an isolation tank before and so we did not know what to expect. It was old, dirty, creepy, almost abandoned looking- as if no one ever used it. Therefore, giving off a dangerous and mysterious vibe, which worked really well with the idea of Jessup’s character and what he was studying. The next set used was the general streets of the city where Emily and Jessup lived. It was obvious that it took place in the city because the streets were busy with people, cars, traffic, tall buildings, etc. This set, although a standard environment, contrasts with Jessup’s character- he is very weird and different from other people but yet he is living in a world that looks so normal. This set demonstrates someone’s everyday life while also intensifying how different it is from the world Jessup lives in.

Acting

Acting is a crucial technique when producing a movie; the choice of actors for each role is important because they dictate whether the movie succeeds or not. If an actor does not project the character in the way that fits the movie then the movie will fail. These actors are meant to capture the roles appropriately and if that is not done then it can seriously change the effectiveness of the movie. Two examples of actors in the movie were William Hurt, who played Eddie Jessup and Blair Brown, who played Emily Jessup. Both these actors presented a very good character that we thought fit the roles perfectly. William was very good at demonstrating the impulsiveness of Jessup through his actions and voice. His performance of quirkiness made us laugh even though it was not a comedy. Blair was also a very good actress but there were a few times we found her character weak, we are unsure if that is the role she was meant to play or the actress herself. In some instances, it was clear the scene was meant to be dramatic but she would not live up to the expectations of that given scene. We found her flat in some parts, as if she was not giving everything she had into her performance, unlike William Hurt did for his character.

Where did we really come from?

Throughout the movie Eddie Jessup is trying to uncover the truth of our existence and he does this by experiencing other states of consciousness in order to determine how real altered states are in regards to reality. Further and further in to his research, the hallucinogens take major effects on Jessup’s perception of things, to the point where he emerges from the isolation tank resembling a primitive being. This is where the question “where do we really come from” comes into play, clearly the hallucinogens are very powerful seeing as Jessup returned back to who we claim our ancestors to be.

Psychedelic drugs allow us to experience altered states of consciousness

Eddie Jessup is a very intelligent man and so he came up with a theory that engaging in an activity such as hallucinogens would allow us to be able to experience other states of consciousness. Obviously this a movie and so the hallucinations Jessup experiences stretch the truth a bit, but it would not hurt us to consider that maybe such states of consciousness do exist and can only be reached in real life with the help of such materials like powerful psychedelic drugs.

Dangers of trying to reach altered states of consciousness

An issue the movie raised was not the idea itself of reaching altered states of consciousness, but in fact the dangers of the journey to these states or even the trip back to reality. Jessup encounters problems when his drug use becomes too frequent- he evidently ends up turning into what he has been experiencing. Although this would most likely not be the case in reality, someone who experiences such powerful hallucinations too regularly could encounter issues such as mental illness or distress. It is proven that people who do not use drugs appropriately can be subjects to schizophrenia or other mental disorders. Although this movie raises such interesting theories, if ever someone were to engage in similar activities they could find themselves in trouble.

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Review

Personally, this is not a film we would choose to watch in our free time. We did not enjoy it very much, and dreaded having to watch it for a second time. This film is very disturbing, particularly in specific scenes. For example, the sheep with the seven eyes, Eddie's sixth toe in the shower, the killing of the lizard and the sheep, and many more were all extremely uncomfortable to watch. Altered States is a very overwhelming film, a lot happens at once and the concepts are difficult to take in; such as understanding state consciousness. There are many scenes in which the characters deliberately all speak at the same time, making it quite difficult to follow. The timeline of the film can also be difficult to follow due to the foreshadowing, flashbacks and hallucinations; the movie had a lot of back and forth, so it made it difficult to follow.

Towards the end of the film, out of nowhere it turns into a horror movie. In our opinion, the use of horror was completely unnecessary and did not contribute to the plot of the film. For example, having the protohuman pop up did not allow for the further understanding of the film, rather it unnecessarily caused the viewers’ hearts to stop beating for a few seconds. If you do not like horror/thriller movies, or if you have a weak stomach, this film is definitely not recommended.

However, when put into perspective, this film has a lot of interesting concepts and things that can be learned from it. Although the science used in this film is not accurate, it raises some interesting ideas. Due to the fact that it was made in the year 1980, we found the special effects considerably exceptional, and this is one of the main aspects that the film is known for. The story line of the film and learning about different states of consciousness is very interesting and allows the audience to really think, which we believe is important to look for in a film. We also enjoyed the love story, and the fact that the writers of the film demonstrated how powerful love can be. In the final scene, for example, love was powerful that it was able to release Eddie and Emily from that state of consciousness and return them back to normal. All in all, Altered will most definitely not be listed in our top favourite movies; however, it has many good concepts and will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Course Concepts

1) Epistemology

One of the key concepts we covered in class is the idea of epistemology; the study of knowledge. In the film, Altered States, Eddie Jessup is trying to discover a theory, which explains whether what we experience in different states of consciousness are as real as what we experience when we are really awake. He also used altered states as his “method” to get to the primordial self; the truth of existence. The significance of this towards the concept of epistemology is the fact that although we do not know whether these states of consciousness are as real as being awake, through empirical objective evidence Eddie was able to prove it as his experiences were externalized. He goes on to study several experiments, trying to uncover the knowledge behind this. Epistemology is the idea that there are limits to our knowledge and this answer to this theory is a prime example. Jessup knows that what we experience when we are dreaming or in a state of hallucination; everything feels very real, almost as if it were the reality.

2) Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the study of existence; commonly evoked by the question “what is real?” In many instances in the film we can understand that Jessup was unsure of what was real. Due to all the hallucinogenic drugs and altered states of consciousness he was experiencing, he no longer knew whether he was still in a different state of consciousness or in his reality. He was slowly slipping away from reality because these experiences of other states of consciousness seemed so real. Although through Eddie’s studies, the metaphysical question of “what is real” is revolutionized as he externalized many of his hallucinations, proving that the reality we perceive to be real is much more complicated than we think it is.

3) Creature Consciousness and State Consciousness

If we say something has consciousness we are making a statement based on creature consciousness. Thus, we are deciding whether or not the creature in question has consciousness or not. Consciousness is “the quality or state of being able to perceive or be aware of an external object or something within oneself”. It is evident that consciousness is a central concept throughout the movie. Eddie, on numerous occasions, experiences hallucinations due to drugs and during these hallucinations we are faced with the question “does he know what is really going on?” Of course he is aware that something must be going on but it is hard to understand whether Eddie can determine exactly what that is. He is experiencing a state of consciousness that we cannot understand because it is only happening within himself. Although, as we are perceiving the creature in question to have consciousness we are then referring to State Consciousness. We believe Eddie is conscious, thus, he is able to possess different states of consciousness that would include, meditating, daydreaming, listening, etc.

Questions

1. Was Eddie Jessup ever able to find the truth of existence?

2. Is it morally and ethically justified using psychedelic drugs in order to advance scientific research?

3. Could the advancement of scientific discovery, come at the expense of our own humanity?

Web-links

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/apr/19/brain-scans-reveal-mind-opening-response-to-psychedelic-drug-trip-lsd-ketamine-psilocybin

Within this article, psychedelic drugs seem to prove that they can heighten/introduce other states of consciousness- this is very similar to what Eddie was trying to prove throughout the film. The article indicates that depending on how people respond to these hallucinogenic drugs, they are hoping that patients with mental disorders, such as depression, will be able to be treated with these drugs- comparable to Altered states when Eddie though Schizophrenia was just another state of consciousness. It also says that the more random a person’s brain activity, reflects a deeper and richer state of consciousness; this random activity comes from hallucinogens. What this link is mainly covering is how psychedelic drugs can influence one’s brain and what we can learn from the different things that happen while these individuals are experiencing forms of hallucinations.

https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2014/10/02/352924426/can-psychedelics-expand-our-consciousness

This article comments on similar theories found in the movie Altered states. The article is based off a book written by Sam Harris called Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion. The author of the article, Barbara J. King, explains how Harris encourages individuals to experiences psychedelic drugs (LSD, MDMA, etc.) so that they are introduced to the different kinds of experiences and possible states of consciousness that these drugs offer. Harris states, “If you are lucky, and you take the right drug, you will know what it is to be enlightened (or to be close enough to persuade you that enlightenment is possible). If you are unlucky, you will know what it is to be clinically insane." (Harris) This quote could be the movie Altered states wrapped up in a sentence; Eddie tries different drugs to discover the truth, but he goes too far and it begins to affect his daily life.

Work Cited

Russell, Ken, Director. Altered States. Warner Bros., 1980.

"Altered States." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Mar. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_States.

King, Barbara J. “Can Psychedelics Expand Our Consciousness?” NPR, NPR, 2 Oct. 2014, www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2014/10/02/352924426/can-psychedelics-expand-our-consciousness.

Sample, Ian. “Psychedelic Drugs Induce 'Heightened State of Consciousness', Brain Scans Show.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 Apr. 2017, www.theguardian.com/science/2017/apr/19/brain-scans-reveal-mind-opening-response-to-psychedelic-drug-trip-lsd-ketamine-psilocybin.

“High Quality Props and Sculptures.” Spur Creative, spurcreative.co.uk/.