Ken Russell’s ALTERED STATES Screens August 4th at the Arkadin Cinema & Bar – “Strange Brew”

“You’re supposed to be reputable scientists! Not two dorm kids freaking on Mexican mushrooms!”

The Strange Brew Cult Movie night returns at their new home, the Arkadin Cinema & Bar, with a nostalgic screening of Ken Russell’s ALTERED STATES (1980) on Wednesday, August 4th at 8:30 pm (movie starts at sundown on the backlot Patio). The Arkadin is located at 5228 Gravois Ave, St Louis, MO 63116. Following the film will be an all-acoustic set by local musicians Burnt Pizza performing songs inspired by the film. The Strange Brew Cult Movie night takes place the first Wednesday of every month at Arkadin Cinema. Films are currently showing on the Backlot Patio (Enter through the Heavy Anchor) and bringing extra lawn chairs is strongly encouraged. Admission: $9.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance HERE

It’s the late 1960’s. Just for a lark, graduate student Eddie Jessup, known for being unconventional, brilliant and slightly mad, conducts experiments with an isolation chamber, using himself as the subject. His experiences in the chamber cause him to hallucinate, much of the imagery being religious-based despite his not being a religious man. Seven years later, he is a respected full professor in the Harvard Medical School. Believing he has lost his edge and has fallen into an unwanted state of respectability, Eddie decides to resume his work with sensory deprivation, this time using hallucinogens, specifically untested ones used in mystical Mexican rituals, to enhance the experience of being in the isolation tank. After initial tests, he claims he entered an alternate physical and mental state. Although unbelieving of Eddie’s claims, his colleagues Arthur Rosenberg and Mason Parrish, as well as Eddie’s wife, Emily, who is in her own right a respected academic, are concerned for Eddie’s well being. However, if Eddie’s claims are indeed true, he could do irreparable harm to himself and others around him, especially if his altered states are uncontrollable