“The Trip”, 1967
Director: Roger Corman
Directed by Roger Corman and written by Jack Nicholson, this film explores the experience of taking LSD. Peter Fonda stars as a TV commercial director who, after being disillusioned with his life, decides to experiment with acid, leading to a series of hallucinogenic escapades.
Starring: Peter Fonda, Susan Strasberg, Bruce Dern, Dennis Hopper, Salli Sachse, Barboura Morris, Judy Lang, Luana Anders, Beach Dickerson, Dick Miller;
Production year: 1967;
Genre: drama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “The Trip” on the website imdb.com
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, 1998
Director: Terry Gilliam
Adapted from Hunter S. Thompson's novel, this film directed by Terry Gilliam follows journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo as they embark on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas, experiencing vivid hallucinations and a critique on the American Dream.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Michael Jeter, Gary Busey, Ellen Barkin, Mark Harmon, Craig Bierko, Katherine Helmond;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” on the website imdb.com
“Taking Woodstock”, 2009
Director: Ang Lee
Directed by Ang Lee, this film is based on the true story of Elliot Tiber, who played a key role in facilitating the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. It features a segment where Elliot experiences his first acid trip, juxtaposing personal discovery against the backdrop of a cultural revolution.
Starring: Henry Goodman, Edward Hibbert, Imelda Staunton, Demetri Martin, Kevin Chamberlin, Lee Wong, Anthoula Katsimatides, Clark Middleton, Bette Henritze, Sondra James;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Taking Woodstock” on the website imdb.com
“Across the Universe”, 2007
Director: Julie Taymor
Directed by Julie Taymor, this musical uses Beatles songs to tell a love story set against the 1960s backdrop of war protests, exploration of mind-altering drugs, and the psychedelic era. The film includes visual and narrative elements illustrating LSD trips and their impact on creativity and perception.
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Spencer Liff, Lisa Dwyer Hogg, Nicholas Lumley, Michael Ryan;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: musical, melodrama, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Across the Universe” on the website imdb.com
“Altered States”, 1980
Director: Ken Russell
Directed by Ken Russell and written by Paddy Chayefsky, based on his novel, this science fiction film tells the story of a university professor who experiments with sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, leading to physical and mental transformations.
Starring: William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, Charles Haid, Thaao Penghlis, Miguel Godreau, Dori Brenner, Peter Brandon, Charles White-Eagle, Drew Barrymore;
Production year: 1980;
Genre: science fiction, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Altered States” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their unique way, contribute to the vivid tapestry of cultural, philosophical, and personal explorations of acid and its profound impact on individuals and society.
In conclusion, films about acid, encompassing both the harrowing depths of drug-induced experiences and the transformative journeys of the mind, have carved out a unique niche in cinematic history. These movies not only challenge our perceptions of reality and consciousness but also offer a kaleidoscopic lens through which the audience can explore the human condition in profoundly abstract ways. They serve as a bridge between the psychedelic culture and mainstream society, inviting viewers to question their beliefs, fears, and desires. Through a combination of visual spectacles, evocative storylines, and complex characters, films about acid transcend mere entertainment, becoming potent tools for introspection and societal commentary. As this genre continues to evolve, it promises to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling, visual artistry, and philosophical inquiry, making it an endlessly fascinating field for both filmmakers and audiences alike.
