Altered States

Year: 1980

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

Haunted by a mysterious past, George Gallagher finds his life spiraling out of control when he involuntarily begins to teleport to different locations while sleeping. As a fugitive desperately trying to evade capture, he struggles to understand the cause of these erratic disappearances, battling both his pursuers and the disintegration of his sanity. He must uncover the truth behind his condition before it completely overwhelms him.

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Timeline & Setting – Altered States (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Altered States (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Hinchi hill country, Mexico, United States

The Hinchi hill country in Mexico is known for its mystical landscapes adorned with mushroom-shaped rocks, and it serves as a significant backdrop for the spiritual rituals of the Hinchi tribe. The region holds deep cultural importance, particularly related to the tribe's practices involving collective hallucinations. In contrast, the United States serves as the contrasting modern environment where Edward Jessup's scientific pursuits take place, reflecting the clash of traditional and contemporary worlds.

🇲🇽 Mexico 🇺🇸 United States 🌄 Natural Landscapes 🏞️ Cultural Sites

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Main Characters – Altered States (1980)

Meet the key characters of Altered States (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Major Themes – Altered States (1980)

Explore the central themes of Altered States (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

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Movies about dangerous experiments in consciousness like Altered States

Stories where the quest for ultimate knowledge risks destroying the seeker.For viewers who liked the mind-bending scientific horror of Altered States, this list features similar movies where characters explore the limits of the mind through risky experiments. These films often blend sci-fi and psychological thriller elements, creating unsettling stories about the high cost of forbidden knowledge.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a 'hubris to horror' arc. A protagonist, driven by an obsession to understand a fundamental truth about reality or the self, employs an extreme method that initially yields profound insights. However, the experiment soon spirals out of control, leading to physical and psychological disintegration, forcing a desperate struggle for survival and a return to stability.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the theme of transgressive science, particularly experiments on the mind. They share a dark, intense tone, complex philosophical underpinnings, and a visceral sense of horror that arises from the violation of natural limits rather than external monsters.

Movies about psychological descent into primal terror like Altered States

A journey inward where the civilized mind confronts its monstrous, primitive origins.If you liked the visceral horror of genetic regression and primal fear in Altered States, this collection features similar movies about characters unraveling psychologically. These stories explore the terrifying idea of losing one's humanity and reverting to a baser, more animalistic state, blending psychological thriller and body horror elements.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who, through trauma, experimentation, or supernatural means, begins to shed their civilized identity. This descent is often nonlinear and hallucinatory, marked by visions of primal scenes and the loss of control over one's body and actions. The central conflict is the struggle to maintain a grip on reality while being pulled into an abyss of instinct and chaos.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their core theme of regression and the exploration of the 'beast within.' They create a specific, claustrophobic vibe where the enemy is the self, and the setting is often the character's own deteriorating mind. The experience is defined by high anxiety, unsettling visuals, and a heavy emotional weight.

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Altered States Summary

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Altered States Timeline

Track the full timeline of Altered States with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Altered States Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Altered States

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Discover movies like Altered States that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.