Brainstorm

Absolute wonderful science fiction. This story is about two scientists(Christopher Walken and Louise Fletcher) that create a mind-boggling invention that rushes forward the research on capabilities and practices of virtual reality. A lot of word of mouth publicity on this being Natalie Wood's last motion picture and her rumored personal relationship with Walken. Somewhat disturbing story line, but very intriguing and fascinating. To be exact a second viewing makes the experience even better. Strap this one on and enjoy. Walken is mysterious and sullen as ever, that's what we like. Miss Wood seems more like decoration and that is really sad considering her outstanding career. Fletcher as a chain smoking scientist is pretty clever. Others in the cast are: Cliff Robertson, Joe Dorsey and Jordan Christopher.

One of the things I really liked about "Brainstorm" is that it feels related to "TRON". This is in more than just the technological/corporate themes, but also in the lab scenes and some of the (excellent) locations. Evidently, this is Natalie Wood's final performance (and it's a good one) but the characters are the least engaging aspect of the movie. It has its virtues, but there isn't really anyone here to latch onto; except for one, whose death really gives the movie some emotional weight (thanks to his/her performance). It's the science fiction that takes center stage with this movie. What if two people can share sensory experience through telepathy? What happens when the money men take over the equipment to turn a profit? Even creating a mixtape out of sense data is intriguing. The ideas are the fun part. What's weird is seeing a bored Christopher Walken. 6/10

Anybody notice certain similarities 'twixt this film and the movie "Strange Days"? In that movie they have perfected a memory-recording device that can be played back on small tapes. Is "Brainstorm" so forgotten that nobody else has made the connection? "Strange Days" was heralded for its originality, but some of us know better. People who are addicted to the tapes in "Strange Days" are called "tapeheads". I'd like to ask John Cusack and Tim Robbins if they think *that's* original.

This is a subtle, deeply engaging film which deals with a brilliant and thought-provoking concept. The ability to live and think and feel as someone else... Something everyone has wanted to do at some time or other. And more than that, to be able to have a peek at what happens after death, the scariest thing a human being will ever have to face. Complex and convincing performances from all the leads are complemented by sfx that do not overpower the drama.

A device that records human senses and experiences naturally falls into the hands of people hoping to use it for nefarious purposes. B-movie idea given high-tech presentation, with the underlying theme of life after death ultimately sullied by co-star Natalie Wood's untimely death during the filming (it may still resonate with movie-buffs old enough to recall her demise). Wood's passing left the film's release in limbo; when it finally arrived, the narrative was a squashy mess, particularly in the crucial opening scenes which have a half-finished feel. Wood only gets the chance to shine in a marriage flashback, although Christopher Walken is very fine as her estranged husband and Louise Fletcher has her best role since "Cuckoo's Nest" as a tough, brilliant scientist with a bad ticker. ** from ****

A research scientist has been experimenting with a revolutionary brain-reading device. This wondrous machine is able to read a person's thought processes and translate these to videotape. When the scientist wants to study the brainwaves of his late partner, he finds himself seriously at odds with his superiors -- not to mention several ominous-looking government types. This film had a bit of trouble with the production... there were budgets issues, studio interference... and most notably, an important actress (Natalie Wood) died in the middle of shooting and had to be cleverly replaced by her sister (did you notice?). Some say the acting is uneven, though that was not really an issue for me. Despite the hurdles, this should be seen as a minor classic, even if largely forgotten today. As Wood's final film it should be honored, and Christopher Walken of course went from being an Oscar favorite to an international wonder. He is surprisingly normal in this picture.

Brainstorm is an amazing and beautifully crafted film, worth watching more than once. From the opening credits and the music that never quite resolves, it is one of those experiences that leaves one unsettled, but not untouched. The images, the stories, and the issues keep this film from succumbing to the temptation of being more science than fiction. The subtle performances and direction, although sometimes underrated, are intriguing and lend a sophisticated air. Watch it as an experience rather than as a scientific treatise and you will surely have a great ride.