Synopsis
Two brilliant research scientists have invented a device capable of recording and playing back sensory experiences only to have devastating results when one of them records their own death.
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Cast
- Christopher WalkenMichael Brace
- Natalie WoodKaren Brace
- Louise FletcherLillian Reynolds
- Cliff RobertsonAlex Terson
- Jordan ChristopherGordy Forbes
- Donald HottonLandan Marks
- Alan FudgeRobert Jenkins
- Joe DorseyHal Abramson
- Bill MoreyJames Zimbach
- Jason LivelyChris Brace
Recommendations
- 80
The A.V. Club
As provocative as all this is, Trumbull keeps things grounded, interested to an almost baffling degree in the technical and logistical sides of this theoretical technology, as well as the emotional arcs of the humans creating it. - 70
The New York Times
However adversely it must have affected the morale of those involved in making Brainstorm, the death of Natalie Wood hasn't damaged the film. Her performance feels complete. Playing a more mature character than she had done before, Miss Wood brought hints of a greater sturdiness and depth to this role, which is pivotal but relatively small. - 60
Empire
Interesting but flawed. - 60
Time Out
As a thriller it's a bit soft, as sci-fi it's a bit simple. - 60
TV Guide Magazine
This could have been a wonderful film, but the makers fell in love with the hardware and forgot the humanity. BRAINSTORM is chockablock with special effects that sometimes obstruct rather than enhance the story. - 50
Chicago Sun-Times
This is a good idea for a movie. Unfortunately, in Brainstorm it remains basically an idea. The characters take such a secondary importance to the gadget that we never feel much for them. - 50
Variety
Producer-director Douglas Trumbull’s effects wizardry – and the concept behind it – is the movie...On the downside, majority of players, including stars Christopher Walken and Wood as a married couple in a research environment, seem merely along for the ride. - 50
Slant Magazine
As though this ridiculousness weren’t sufficiently groan-inducing, the scenes depicting the mischief Brace wreaks on the corporation while he’s mid-hack undergo a bizarre tonal shift into Keystone Kops slapstick.
