Rating: 
Summary: WOW!
Review: Actually, this is a pretty good movie, even if it's half-complete. Natalie Wood's death may have put a dent in the film, but this film scared the hell out of me, and it still gives me the chills every time I see it! The effects and thematic elements are amazing, and some scenes are among the scariest scenes in film history! I'll always be scared by the scene where Mike Brace finds the tape with the "Psychotic Episode", and the guy administers the warning and counts to 5. At that point in the film, I felt trapped and frightened to death. I don't know if that is how the scene is supposed to work, but it worked that way for me. I love this movie! And I highly recommend it to people who likes special effects movies that can provoke you and scare you!
Rating:
Summary: Welcome to the Future
Review: Although many say that this was not Natalie Woods best work, I truly enjoyed the movie. The technical instrument that they invent is astonishing. To be able to experience other peoplke's thoughts, their adventures, or your past would be amazing. If someone was dying they could rememeber the good times and leave it to their family. If you've never experienced a certain condition, feeling, or thought, you could through someone else's mind. I for one would love to be able to experience this type of adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: Marriage counseling through technology
Review: Before virtual reality and before "The Matrix," there was the 1983 film "Brainstorm." O.K., this movie may not compare favorably with "The Matrix," but it does involve some of the same tangential themes that that film deals with. The comparisons with virtual reality are apt, though viewers tend to overlook this aspect of the movie. People usually associate the film, if they even talk about it today, with Natalie Wood. The actress died shortly before the film wrapped in a highly publicized boating accident, thereby cutting short a lengthy film career and giving this motion picture a stigma it still carries today. A viewing of "Brainstorm" shows the film is more than Natalie Wood; it is a compelling story about innovative technology and its potential for misuse by powerful forces. Not a particularly unique movie plot, to be sure, but "Brainstorm" is still an intriguing film largely due to its solid cast and amazing special effects. The movie holds up well twenty years after its conception, which is saying a lot considering how far film effects have come during that time.A team of brilliant scientists headed up by Lillian Reynolds (Louise Fletcher) and Michael Brace (Christopher Walken) have finally made an enormous breakthrough in their research. After years of frustrating tests and wrangles over budgetary concerns, an amazing new virtual reality system has been born. The machines these scientists created can record the sensory perceptions of one human being and replay them for another person. Reynolds and her team can capture everything--sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell, even emotion--and record it on tape. The implications of this discovery should become apparent almost immediately. Communications, entertainment, medicine: every aspect of human endeavor will irrevocably change once this device hits the marketplace. Of course, a few other shadier applications also apply with the device, particularly military systems and mind control. Reynolds, Brace, and Brace's estranged wife Karen soon find themselves at loggerheads with the boss of the company funding the research, the sympathetic yet uncompromising Alex Terson (Cliff Robertson). The United States military leans heavily on Terson concerning the project's development, threatening to remove funding if Reynolds denies the wonks at the Pentagon access to her research. Running throughout these titanic battles about the ethics of a virtual reality system and the increasingly authoritarian tactics taken by the military is the relationship between Michael and Karen Brace. The couple split up over Michael's inability to balance his work with his personal life, a fact that Karen resents since her husband has neglected her and their son. Moreover, there is some sort of vaguely hinted at relationship between Reynolds and Michael Brace, a relationship that should hardly come as a surprise since the two have worked so closely together over the past decade or so. When Lillian Reynolds, a rabid chain smoker, records her death from a massive heart attack as it happens, Brace becomes fascinated with exploring this amazing death sequence caught on tape. The government decides Michael is too unstable to continue working on the project, thus banning him from the building and removing his security clearance from the company computers. When you muck around with a genius, however, you must make sure you have all the angles covered. Brace enlists the help of his tech savvy wife and a few other friends from the company and hacks into the company's mainframe in order to access the tape. What follows is an amazing special effects odyssey of sight and sound as Brace learns what happens when we die. In the process of playing the tape and risking his own life, Michael and Karen heal their problematic relationship. The best elements in "Brainstorm" are the outstanding performances from the cast fused with amazing special effects. Natalie Wood, although somewhat wasted in a smaller role, stops the heart every time she appears on screen with her amazing beauty and solid acting. Christopher Walken does what Christopher Walken does best: act slightly weird by alternating between subdued silence and loud rage. Cliff Robertson and Louise Fletcher both excel in their respective roles, especially Fletcher, who as the temperamental Lillian Reynolds is both believable and amusing. Check out the scene when she dies from her heart attack yet takes the time to attach herself to her wondrous recording device. This is, I think, exactly what a true scientist dedicated to exploring every mystery would do in a similar circumstance. As good a job as the actors do, the special effects sometimes eclipse them. Apparently, the guy in charge of this film worked on Kubrick's "2001," and boy does it show. The final scenes in "Brainstorm" evoke memories of Keir Dullea's psychedelic trip at the end of "2001," except here they look better. It would be a great experience to see this film in a movie theater. "Brainstorm" is a beautiful, thought provoking film I never tire of watching. The scenes between Walken and Wood are wonderful, especially when they use the reality device for their own personal explorations. In this way, the movie moves beyond a mere science fiction potboiler into realms of romance and psychological drama. Sadly, the DVD edition lacks the sort of extras a film of this caliber deserves. You would think a film this prescient would inspire the folks at Warner to pull out all the stops for the disc release. Well, anyone remotely familiar with Warner DVDs knows the company couldn't give a darn about what their discs contain. Too bad. I will still watch "Brainstorm" from time to time, but I secretly yearn for a special edition release in the near future--one with a commentary from Fletcher and Walken at the very least, along with some notes about the special effects in the film. If you like sci-fi, this is a must see experience.
Rating:
Summary: Marriage counseling through technology
Review: Before virtual reality and before "The Matrix," there was the 1983 film "Brainstorm." O.K., this movie may not compare favorably with "The Matrix," but it does involve some of the same tangential themes that that film deals with. The comparisons with virtual reality are apt, though viewers tend to overlook this aspect of the movie. People usually associate the film, if they even talk about it today, with Natalie Wood. The actress died shortly before the film wrapped in a highly publicized boating accident, thereby cutting short a lengthy film career and giving this motion picture a stigma it still carries today. A viewing of "Brainstorm" shows the film is more than Natalie Wood; it is a compelling story about innovative technology and its potential for misuse by powerful forces. Not a particularly unique movie plot, to be sure, but "Brainstorm" is still an intriguing film largely due to its solid cast and amazing special effects. The movie holds up well twenty years after its conception, which is saying a lot considering how far film effects have come during that time. A team of brilliant scientists headed up by Lillian Reynolds (Louise Fletcher) and Michael Brace (Christopher Walken) have finally made an enormous breakthrough in their research. After years of frustrating tests and wrangles over budgetary concerns, an amazing new virtual reality system has been born. The machines these scientists created can record the sensory perceptions of one human being and replay them for another person. Reynolds and her team can capture everything--sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell, even emotion--and record it on tape. The implications of this discovery should become apparent almost immediately. Communications, entertainment, medicine: every aspect of human endeavor will irrevocably change once this device hits the marketplace. Of course, a few other shadier applications also apply with the device, particularly military systems and mind control. Reynolds, Brace, and Brace's estranged wife Karen soon find themselves at loggerheads with the boss of the company funding the research, the sympathetic yet uncompromising Alex Terson (Cliff Robertson). The United States military leans heavily on Terson concerning the project's development, threatening to remove funding if Reynolds denies the wonks at the Pentagon access to her research. Running throughout these titanic battles about the ethics of a virtual reality system and the increasingly authoritarian tactics taken by the military is the relationship between Michael and Karen Brace. The couple split up over Michael's inability to balance his work with his personal life, a fact that Karen resents since her husband has neglected her and their son. Moreover, there is some sort of vaguely hinted at relationship between Reynolds and Michael Brace, a relationship that should hardly come as a surprise since the two have worked so closely together over the past decade or so. When Lillian Reynolds, a rabid chain smoker, records her death from a massive heart attack as it happens, Brace becomes fascinated with exploring this amazing death sequence caught on tape. The government decides Michael is too unstable to continue working on the project, thus banning him from the building and removing his security clearance from the company computers. When you muck around with a genius, however, you must make sure you have all the angles covered. Brace enlists the help of his tech savvy wife and a few other friends from the company and hacks into the company's mainframe in order to access the tape. What follows is an amazing special effects odyssey of sight and sound as Brace learns what happens when we die. In the process of playing the tape and risking his own life, Michael and Karen heal their problematic relationship. The best elements in "Brainstorm" are the outstanding performances from the cast fused with amazing special effects. Natalie Wood, although somewhat wasted in a smaller role, stops the heart every time she appears on screen with her amazing beauty and solid acting. Christopher Walken does what Christopher Walken does best: act slightly weird by alternating between subdued silence and loud rage. Cliff Robertson and Louise Fletcher both excel in their respective roles, especially Fletcher, who as the temperamental Lillian Reynolds is both believable and amusing. Check out the scene when she dies from her heart attack yet takes the time to attach herself to her wondrous recording device. This is, I think, exactly what a true scientist dedicated to exploring every mystery would do in a similar circumstance. As good a job as the actors do, the special effects sometimes eclipse them. Apparently, the guy in charge of this film worked on Kubrick's "2001," and boy does it show. The final scenes in "Brainstorm" evoke memories of Keir Dullea's psychedelic trip at the end of "2001," except here they look better. It would be a great experience to see this film in a movie theater. "Brainstorm" is a beautiful, thought provoking film I never tire of watching. The scenes between Walken and Wood are wonderful, especially when they use the reality device for their own personal explorations. In this way, the movie moves beyond a mere science fiction potboiler into realms of romance and psychological drama. Sadly, the DVD edition lacks the sort of extras a film of this caliber deserves. You would think a film this prescient would inspire the folks at Warner to pull out all the stops for the disc release. Well, anyone remotely familiar with Warner DVDs knows the company couldn't give a darn about what their discs contain. Too bad. I will still watch "Brainstorm" from time to time, but I secretly yearn for a special edition release in the near future--one with a commentary from Fletcher and Walken at the very least, along with some notes about the special effects in the film. If you like sci-fi, this is a must see experience.
Rating:
Summary: Cold Hard Reality
Review: Brainstorm is good movie, that unfortunately, due to the tragic end of its leading lady, had to be reworked. It's because of that, I think the film will forever be underated. Two scientists, Michael (Chistopher Walken) and Karen Brace (Natalie Wood, in her last film) are developing a virtual reality system that sends sensory inputs into the brain and can record sights, sounds, feelings, and even dreams. The military attempts to take over the project, with the help of ruthless businessman, Alex Terson (Cliff Robertson). When a senior team member, Dr. Lilian Reynolds (Louise Fletcher), dies under mysterious circumstances, the evidence points to Brace. Soon, Brace is on the run, trying to clear his name Noted for his effects work in 2001 A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Douglas Trumball, steps behind the camera as director. The film benefits visually from his expertise, as you might expect, but as is so often the case within the genre, the story should be the star...aided by a solid cast. Brainstorm has those traits. Walken delivers another fine performance as a tragic hero. Of course he also knows how to play a bad guy too. For this film though, Roberton is given that charge, and he delightfully chews the scenery, rising to the occaision. Through no fault of the filmmakers, Trumball had to paste together an alternate ending and it shows. What might have been... The DVD's only extra is film's theatrical trailer. Viewers can watch the film in either the full-screen, or, widescreen formats. Brainstorm is worth a look and is better than most folks think
Rating:
Summary: Brainstorm -- It blew me away!
Review: Brainstorm, was in 1982 and continues to be in 1999, a phenomenal movie. The various sequences were absolutely amazing in 1982 on the big screen ... and while losing some of their effect on the television ... are no less thought provoking. Christopher Walken's use of the headset to trace the demise of his college was thought provoking and brought chills to me. The movie will have a long lasting effect ... as I've watched it numerous times over the years. It gets better instead of worse with age.
Rating:
Summary: It's not as bad as you think...
Review: Brianstorm, the final film in the storied career of Natalie Wood, is actually good in spots. Sure, it's been maligned by some people and revered by others. Christopher Walken gives a good performance along with Louise Fletcher and Cliff Robertson. Originally released in 1983, the movie actually gives a glimpse into the future AS WE KNOW IT! The headgear in the movie is something we haven't seen in the software stores, but it certainly could happen. Computers weren't as prolific at that time, and the writers probably didn't know that they were making a cult classic. It's too bad Natalie Wood passed away during the filming of this movie. You can tell which scenes were filmed when she was alive and which ones were done with a stand in. If you've seen the movie, you'll appreciate the availability of this on DVD. One small note. This can be VERY interesting when seen on a computer screen (when you're up close) and could be irritating to the eyes. It could also stimulate other parts of the brain, as well. END
Rating: 
Summary: STILL AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE
Review: I just want to add a couple of things to an already exemplary set of reviews of BRAINSTORM.
The first is that I was fortunate enough to see this film in its initial roadshow release, and it was shown in 70mm. The design was that the "reality" segments were presented in 1:85 and stereo, and the "headset" segments shot to full 2:35 and surround sound. It was astounding, to say the least. The Showscan presentation sounds like it was an approximation of the original 70mm theatrical release.
The second is that I agree with the analysis of the weak ending. After such a buildup, could Doug Trumbull actually show us the afterlife? I've always thought that he set an impossibly high bar to hurdle, and no matter what finally appeared onscreen, it would be a letdown. There are too many speculations and too many possibilities to allow for any kind of totally satisfying ending. BRAINSTORM is an example of a really great central story idea with no third act.
That said, it's still a film worth investigating. Louise Fletcher, alone, is worth the price of the rental.
Rating:
Summary: Lynell B.
Review: I'll never forget how much I was taken by surprise when I first saw this film. (Gotta remember to AVOID promos and trailers as they taint our expectations.) This is a chance to see actors not "acting," but rather being real people with realistic emotions and concerns. How two scientists can be intimate without it being sexual, while being absorbed in their work often times to the casualty of their private lives. The realistic scientific theories just blew me away. Casting Walken was genius as he's able to show us he's really not weird, and paired with Wood's undertones creates great chemistry. You've got to watch the movie just to focus on Louise Fletcher's role. WOW! Wonderfully rich and thoughtfully explored, this film continues to reward the viewer with subtleties and warmth that merits watching it again and again. Warning: this is a strong commentary on how gov't can step in to stymie research (true to life in my experience) and muck it up. This continues to rate in my top 5 movie picks. It's not sloppy or corny; it's believable sci-fi; it's commentary about how short life is and to remember to tell those special to us that we love them - and show it!
Rating:
Summary: Lynell B.
Review: I'll never forget how much I was taken by surprise when I first saw this film. (Gotta remember to AVOID promos and trailers as they taint our expectations.) This is a chance to see actors not "acting," but rather being real people with realistic emotions and concerns. How two scientists can be intimate without it being sexual, while being absorbed in their work often times to the casualty of their private lives. The realistic scientific theories just blew me away. Casting Walken was genius as he's able to show us he's really not weird, and paired with Wood's undertones creates great chemistry. You've got to watch the movie just to focus on Louise Fletcher's role. WOW! Wonderfully rich and thoughtfully explored, this film continues to reward the viewer with subtleties and warmth that merits watching it again and again. Warning: this is a strong commentary on how gov't can step in to stymie research (true to life in my experience) and muck it up. This continues to rate in my top 5 movie picks. It's not sloppy or corny; it's believable sci-fi; it's commentary about how short life is and to remember to tell those special to us that we love them - and show it!
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