Altered States

N.p. N.p., Circa 1980-1981. Archive of materials relating to director Ken Russell. Most material undated, circa 1980-1981, with much relating to the release of Russell's 1980 film "Altered States."

Collection includes one postcard and two letters on Russell Films letterhead, all written by Russell to a Richard Barfield. Also in the collection are a cassette tape in a case with an adhesive label reading "Altered States 135080 Indian Music," a small newspaper clipping from an unknown source regarding audience reception of the film, a program for the film's release, and the front and back wrappers of a March 1981 issue of "Starlog" magazine with a cover story about the anticipated release of the film. Also included are a gate pass and a visitor pass for The Burbank Studios, with the visitor pass filled out for Barfield.

In the postcard, postmarked October 6, 1980, Russell expresses his gratitude that Barfield had written to him regarding the successful reception of early screenings for "Altered States" by audiences and Warner Brothers executives.

The two letters, one undated and one dated Thursday November 4, detail Russell's concerns regarding an unknown (and presumably never-produced) film treatment. The second letter also describes Russell's problems with his never-produced film project "Beethoven." Russell would go on to publish a book based on this project in 2007, "Beethoven Confidential & Brahms Gets Laid."

Altogether, a fascinating archive of correspondence and ephemera, capturing public reception of one of Ken Russell's last successful projects before the director lapsed into a period of cinematic stagnancy which would ultimately close his screen career.

Postcard 5.25 x 3.5 inches.

Letters 8 x 10 inches.

Cassette case 4.25 x 2.75 inches.

Gate pass 5 x 3 inches.

Visitors pass 5 x 3.5 inches.

Film program 8.5 x 11 inches, folded as issued.

Magazine wrappers 8.25 x 10.75 inches, folded as issued.

Newspaper clipping 2.5 x 6.5 inches.

Newspaper clipping Very Good with creasing and slight tearing along the left edge from being stored in the cassette tape. All else generally Near Fine.

All, except the cassette tape and case, housed in a green folder.

[Book #160460]