BAR TRASH – ALTERED STATES (1980) at Beer Merchants Tap

ALTERED STATES dir Ken Russell (1980/USA/102mins)

A scientist experimenting with drugs and sensory-deprivation believes his visions are genetic memories.

Doors: 6pm. Intro + Film + Intermission: 6:30pm – 9pm

Adults 18+ only! Dogs welcome.

"IN THE BASEMENT OF A UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL DR JESSUP FLOATS NAKED IN TOTAL DARKNESS. THE MOST TERRIFYING EXPERIMENT IN THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE IS OUT OF CONTROL... AND THE SUBJECT IS HIMSELF."

Cult film night BAR TRASH continues with its 11th sensational season — SYNTHETIC FLESH! — a tribute to more than 100 years of monster makeup FX.

ALTERED STATES (1980) marks another BAR TRASH appearance by acclaimed British visionary Ken Russell following TOMMY (1975) and GOTHIC (1986). Written by Paddy Chayefsky (NETWORK) from his 1978 novel of the same name, Russell took the helm of the project after its original director fell out with the author. Despite being a director for hire — Russell claimed he was the studio’s “twenty-seventh choice for the job” — Russell brought his radical visual symbolism to ALTERED STATES, prompting further disputes with Chayefsky who walked off the production. The film itself feels like a battle between warring alchemists — one of words and one of images — and it’s all the richer and more intoxicating for it.

“ALTERED STATES is a superbly silly movie, a magnificent entertainment, and a clever and brilliant machine for making us feel awe, fear, and humour. That is enough. It’s pure movie and very little meaning.” (Roger Ebert).

Featured special makeup effects artist: Dick Smith is revered for his ‘makeup illusions’ in some of the greatest films ever made, including THE GODFATHER (1972), THE EXORCIST (1973), and THE GODFATHER PART II (1974),. You will also know his work from THE HUNGER (1983), AMADEUS (1984) — for which he won his first Oscar — and DEATH BECOMES HER (1992). Smith received an Honorary Academy Award in 2012.

Polite notice: We are showing ALTERED STATES with subtitles from the best available digital source.

/// BAR TRASH is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo and friends. Films are served with introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles / captions where possible. Tickets from £6 + fees. Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo on Instagram for updates. More info at tokenhomo.com ///

Host or Publisher TOKEN HOMO