Welcome to a world where science fiction meets horror, a world curtained by the enigmatic allure of ‘Altered States (1980)’. This epoch-making film, directed by the inimitable Ken Russell, is a cerebral journey that dips its toes into the unknown, touching the realms of metaphysics and self-discovery. But beyond the psychedelic storyline, the film presents a unique fashion aesthetic that has, over the years, influenced pop culture and the fashion world in subtle yet profound ways.
This is not just an overview of ‘Altered States (1980)’; it is an exploration of style, a character analysis and style breakdown that will give you a new perspective on film fashion. We’ll delve into the closets of the characters, unearthing their fashion secrets, and along the way, pick up styling tips that will set you apart in any crowd.
Let’s step into the peculiar world of ‘Altered States (1980)’, where we’ll explore the fashion journey of its characters, from the laid-back yet intellectual Eddie Jessup to the mysterious Eccheverria. We’ll learn how to dress like them, detail the key elements of their outfits, and discover how to incorporate these elements into our daily outfits.
The Aesthetic of ‘Altered States (1980)’
- Vintage Science Chic: The film captures the essence of late 70s, early 80s fashion, blending it with a touch of scientific coolness. The result? An aesthetic that is both retro and futuristic.
- Casual Sophistication: The characters often sport comfortable, easy-to-wear pieces that exude a certain intellectual charm. Think tweed jackets, high-waisted pants, and turtle necks.
- Gothic Undertones: There’s a subtle hint of gothic fashion throughout the film, especially in the darker, more dramatic scenes.
William Hurt as Eddie Jessup
Eddie Jessup, the genius scientist with a penchant for exploring the unknown, is the driving force behind ‘Altered States’. His style is a reflection of his character – no-nonsense, intellectual, and slightly eccentric. Here’s how to dress like William Hurt as Eddie Jessup:
- Tweed Jackets: Eddie is often seen in his signature tweed jackets, which are a nod to his academic persona. Pair it with a crisp white shirt for a look that says “I’m here to challenge the status quo”.
- High-Waisted Trousers: These are a staple in Eddie’s wardrobe. They add a vintage charm to his outfits, and when paired with a tucked-in shirt or a sweater, they create a clean, sophisticated look.
- Turtlenecks: On colder days, Eddie opts for turtlenecks. These not only keep him warm but also add a hint of intellectual charm to his outfits.
Blair Brown as Emily Jessup
Emily Jessup is the embodiment of strength and intelligence. Her style is a blend of feminine elegance and professional chic. Here’s how to dress like Blair Brown as Emily Jessup:
- Blouses with Bow Ties: Emily loves her bow ties. She often pairs them with high-waisted skirts or trousers, creating a look that is both feminine and professional.
- Pleated Skirts: These are a staple in Emily’s wardrobe. They add a touch of femininity to her outfits, and when paired with a blouse or a fitted sweater, they create a smart, sophisticated look.
- Statement Accessories: Emily knows how to accessorize. From her oversized glasses to her statement earrings, she uses accessories to add a touch of personality to her outfits.
Bob Balaban as Arthur Rosenberg
Arthur Rosenberg, Eddie’s loyal friend and colleague, is known for his easy-going personality and subtle sense of humor. His style reflects his laid-back nature. Here’s how to dress like Bob Balaban as Arthur Rosenberg:
- Checked Shirts: Arthur loves his checked shirts. They add a touch of casual coolness to his outfits, and when paired with jeans or khakis, they create a relaxed, easy-going look.
- Jeans: These are a staple in Arthur’s wardrobe. They are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for a casual day at the lab.
- Glasses: Arthur’s glasses are more than just a fashion accessory. They are a part of his personality, adding an intellectual charm to his outfits.
Charles Haid as Mason Parrish
Mason Parrish, Eddie’s other friend and colleague, is known for his practicality and pragmatism. His style is simple, functional, and slightly rugged. Here’s how to dress like Charles Haid as Mason Parrish:
- Denim Shirts: Mason is often seen in his signature denim shirts. They add a rugged charm to his outfits, and when paired with jeans or khakis, they create a look that says “I’m ready for anything”.
- Khaki Trousers: These are a staple in Mason’s wardrobe. They are versatile, easy to wear, and perfect for a day of fieldwork.
- Boots: Mason’s boots are more than just a fashion accessory. They are a part of his pragmatic personality, adding a hint of ruggedness to his outfits.
Thaao Penghlis as Eccheverria
Eccheverria, the enigmatic shaman, is a character shrouded in mystery. His style is a reflection of his mystical persona. Here’s how to dress like Thaao Penghlis as Eccheverria:
- Robes: Eccheverria is often seen in his signature robes. They add a touch of mystique to his outfits, and when paired with his long, flowing hair, they create a look that says “I’m a man of mystery”.
- Jewelry: Eccheverria loves his jewelry. From his statement necklaces to his chunky bracelets, he uses accessories to add a touch of personality to his outfits.
- Long Hair: Eccheverria’s long, flowing hair is more than just a fashion statement. It is a part of his mystical persona, adding an element of enigma to his outfits.
Miguel Godreau as Primal Man
The Primal Man, the embodiment of Eddie’s inner self, is a character who is raw, wild, and untamed. His style is a reflection of his primal nature. Here’s how to dress like Miguel Godreau as Primal Man:
- Fur: The Primal Man is often seen in his fur. It adds a touch of wildness to his outfits, and when paired with his long, unkempt hair, it creates a look that says “I’m a force of nature”.
- Barefoot: The Primal Man is always barefoot, adding an element of rawness to his outfits.
- Long, Unkempt Hair: The Primal Man’s long, unkempt hair is more than just a fashion statement. It is a part of his primal persona, adding an element of wildness to his outfits.
Dori Brenner as Sylvia Rosenberg
Sylvia Rosenberg, Arthur’s loving wife, is known for her warmth and kindness. Her style is a blend of casual chic and feminine elegance. Here’s how to dress like Dori Brenner as Sylvia Rosenberg:
- Floral Dresses: Sylvia loves her floral dresses. They add a touch of femininity to her outfits, and when paired with a pair of comfortable flats, they create a charming, easy-going look.
- Cardigans: These are a staple in Sylvia’s wardrobe. They are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for a casual day at home.
- Comfortable Flats: Sylvia’s flats are more than just a fashion accessory. They are a part of her easy-going personality, adding a touch of comfort to her outfits.
How to Dress like Your Favorite ‘Altered States (1980)’ Character
Now that we’ve broken down the styles of our favorite characters, let’s move on to some practical tips on how to dress like them.
- Choose the Right Pieces: Start by selecting pieces that resemble those worn by the characters. For Eddie, this could be a tweed jacket and high-waisted trousers, while for Emily, it could be a blouse with a bow tie and a pleated skirt.
- Accessorize Wisely: Accessories play a crucial role in defining a character’s style. Choose accessories that reflect the character’s personality, like Eddie’s glasses or Emily’s statement earrings.
- Incorporate Their Style into Your Daily Outfits: You don’t have to copy their looks exactly. Instead, take inspiration from their styles and incorporate elements of their fashion sense into your daily outfits.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘Altered States (1980)’
Whether you’re going to work, attending a party, or just hanging out with friends, here are some styling tips inspired by ‘Altered States (1980)’ for different occasions:
- Work: For a professional look inspired by Eddie or Emily, opt for high-waisted trousers paired with a crisp white shirt or a blouse with a bow tie. Add a tweed jacket for an extra touch of sophistication.
- Party: For a party look inspired by Eccheverria, try a statement necklace or chunky bracelets paired with a robe-like dress. Add some heels for an extra touch of glamour.
- Casual Outing: For a casual look inspired by Arthur or Sylvia, opt for jeans or a floral dress paired with a comfortable pair of flats. Add a checked shirt or a cardigan for an extra touch of comfort.
Incorporating ‘Altered States (1980)’ Elements into Daily Outfits
Incorporating ‘Altered States (1980)’ elements into your daily outfits can be fun and easy. Here are some tips:
- Embrace Vintage: The film’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in the late 70s and early 80s. Embrace vintage pieces like high-waisted trousers, tweed jackets, and pleated skirts.
- Play with Accessories: From Eddie’s glasses to Emily’s statement earrings, accessories play a big role in the film’s fashion. Incorporate similar pieces into your outfits for an ‘Altered States (1980)’ touch.
- Experiment with Prints and Textures: The film showcases a variety of prints and textures, from Arthur’s checked shirts to Sylvia’s floral dresses. Experiment with different prints and textures to add an ‘Altered States (1980)’ twist to your outfits.
Where to Buy ‘Altered States (1980)’ Inspired Outfits
Ready to get the look? Here are some places where you can buy ‘Altered States (1980)’ inspired outfits:
- Vintage Shops: These are great places to find pieces like high-waisted trousers, tweed jackets, and pleated skirts.
- Online Stores: Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Depop often have vintage and retro pieces that are perfect for an ‘Altered States (1980)’ inspired look.
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are treasure troves of unique pieces. You might just find the perfect checked shirt or floral dress for your ‘Altered States (1980)’ inspired outfit.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of ‘Altered States (1980)’ on Fashion
As we wrap up our journey through the closets of ‘Altered States (1980)’, it’s clear that the film’s fashion aesthetic has left a lasting impact. From the vintage science chic to the gothic undertones, the film has given us a unique blend of styles that continue to inspire fashion today.
Whether you’re a fan of the film, a fashion enthusiast, or both, we hope this character analysis and style breakdown has given you a fresh perspective on film fashion and inspired you to experiment with your own style.
Now it’s your turn. How would you incorporate ‘Altered States (1980)’ elements into your daily outfits? Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
