Float Tanks in Popular Culture
With its strange origin story, unique characteristics, futuristic appearance, and sometimes mindblowing yet unfamiliar abilities, the float made its way into popular consciousness through its portrayal in some hit movies and TV shows.
In response to the tanks portrayal, viewers have either shied away and felt reservations from experiencing the wonders of flotation or opened up a world of intrigue.
Despite the strange, eerie, or sometimes confronting portrayal of float tanks in such films, each makes interesting—and surprisingly accurate—points about the effects of floatation on consciousness.
The 1980 sci-fi cult classic Altered States featured one of the first creative portrayals of the float tank. Although the spectacular depiction of floatation in the film famously made the practice seem terrifying. It was in fact partly based on the inventor and neuroscientist John C. Lilly, who developed the isolation tank as part of his sensory deprivation and consciousness research– who also often conducted his study whilst under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs.
Despite sensationalism, the movie did show the effects of floatation on the mind and the experience of hallucinations. Inside the tank, you can actually find a unique opportunity for stillness, rest and solitude.
No light. No sound. No distractions. Although floating is effortless, it can take some time for the mind to settle before entering a state of deep meditation– some even experiencing visual or auditory hallucinations. The result of a lack of external information creates a blank canvas on which the brain may project interpretations of internally occurring sensations. Unlike Altered States, this experience of floatation is relaxing and rejuvenating.
The float tank has even made its way into pop culture, appearing on The Simpsons in an episode that aired all the way back in 1999!
The episode's depiction of the float tank experience combined with Homer Simpsons character provides some relatable comedic relief for the frank reality of the mind when left alone with one's self. If you happened to have come across this episode before or are interested in watching a snippet here be rest assured that at The Wellness Studio, your adventures will remain in the mind and your tank will remain safely grounded inside one of our shipping containers.
Since then, the float tank has appeared in many other films, including 'Fringe', 'Stranger Things' and 'A Cure For Wellness'.
Even with watching all the films, shows and documentaries out there, the only way to truly understand is to try it!
If you're interested in trying floatation for yourself, why not book in for a real-life experience (post lockdown), and see what all the hype is about!