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ALTERED STATES (1980): The STRANGEST Sci-Fi Trip in Cinema | Four Play

Last Free Nation Movies

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Join us as we delve into director Ken Russell's 1980 film 'Altered States.' This episode covers the film's psychedelic themes, its visionary yet controversial direction, and its mixed reception from critics like Roger Ebert. We discuss the film's exploration of hallucinogenic drugs, sensory deprivation tanks, and its complex narrative about a scientist's quest for absolute truth. Whether you're a fan of flawed gems or just curious about experimental cinema, this episode has something for you!

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Psychedelic Horror arc: Jacob's Ladder, Enter the Void, Altered States, Mandy

Editing by Adanion
Art by Atantalas

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00:00 Introduction to Altered States, Sensory Deprivation, and John C. Lilly
08:54 Movie Summary and Key Plot Points
14:04 The Practical Effects vs the Confused Tone
17:40 Director Ken Russell and the Screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky's conflict
24:10 Ken Russell's Career and Directorial Style
27:51 Man in a Monkey Suit and Unresolved Themes
32:34 The Deeply Unsatisfying Ending
41:35 Visual Effects: Rotoscoping and Practical Effects
44:31 Character Analysis, Missed Opportunities, and Philosophical Questions
47:45 The Film's Pacing and Narrative Structure
59:17 Critical Reception and Director's Influence
01:09:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#moviereview #podcast #lastfreenation #psychedelichorror #alteredstates

20 Comments

@BeatrixTurner 1 year ago

4:00 imagining monte and thorin swimming around the deprivation tank together like a couple koi fish

@KindBrando 1 year ago

You could say Richard has also gone on his own psychedelic journey to Alter his state.

@FortheWolf 1 year ago

He's gone and done it. The mad man. Hairline looking good Richard.

@friskyandesports 1 year ago

Glad Monte clarified him and Thorin weren't in the same tank on their "man date." I think the fanfic writers have some new material however.

@cryfest 1 year ago

Love the Monte summary.

@MarieEmilieRoy 1 year ago

I just wanted to say I really appreciate what you mentioned at the end about highlighting those flawed gems (the “sweet spot” 6–7 rating movies) on Fourplay. That’s exactly why I enjoy this show - If I want the big, well-rated classics, I know where to find them and you usually also hint at those in the episodes, but the way you bring out these more offbeat picks makes them way more fun to discover.

I also want it on the record I enjoyed night moves lmao, we're out here!

@PKgazaPK 1 year ago

We need a "Spider goat on a cross" t shirt with that picture on the phrase on it.

@JuliusArktos 1 year ago

Actually returning to monke, genius move

@john-hanner 1 year ago

everything does come back to Night Moves

@lucsalander 1 year ago

We love the Monte summary

@cowboyevan 1 year ago

A fun arc in the future would be to have an arc where LFN cohosts come and recommend their favorites. Different guest for each episode of the arc

@BW-vp3yk 1 year ago

Just three guys with great hairlines talking about their favourite psychedelic horror film with a space goat in it.

You love to see it.

@dandele123 1 year ago

monte summary gets me bricked up

@romic8427 1 year ago (edited)

This is one where I couldn't get over how cheesy it felt despite thinking the premise is interesting

@kobejackson3679 1 year ago

Four play has ruined something in me, listening to hugo say that donk is making quick moves in the cologne final and my brain immediately went to the Thorin voice going "some knight moves".

@DharkMode 1 year ago

In a way, the deeply unsatisfying ending, the interesting ideals that don't really lead anywhere is the perfect capturing of what psychedelics trips are like

@nicholasjanke3476 5 months ago

The first half of Altered States is basically just a story about a scientist having hallucinations. Then the second half of the story makes a sharp left turn into a time travel/monster movie. Its like the novel/film A Clockwork Orange in which the first half of the story is a crime story then in the second half, the story makes a sharp left turn into a medical sci fi story.

@suide3275 1 year ago

Just a joy to listen to these amd tbh I also do like the more escapism aspect of these instead of the endless esports stuff that makes me question my place on earth

@hellsSG 1 year ago

I'm immensely happy you guys made this channel after the far and above best esports shows BTN and SI were changed or disbanded, much like my interest in esports post covid. And Monte and Richard are great together, who would've known.