No need to apologize for not liking "Altered States." It is just good to see someone else who likes Russell. A much neglected director. What he can do with lights--both artifical and natural--to light a scene. No one is his equal, unless it is David Lynch. That is why I think I like "Altered States" so. It is the best lighted of his films. I remember one scene, where you have a shot of William Hurt down a long, dark hallway. He opens the door . . . but, you can't see anything in front of him, because there is a sudden, brilliant white light in front of him. That shot just blew me away.
I just want to mention, that after I wrote my first message, I saw "The Rainbow." I place it on my like list, between "Aria" and "Valentino." Enjoy!