Science-fiction drama starring Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood, Louise Fletcher and Cliff Robertson.
SYNOPSIS – Inventors of a device that records thoughts, experiences, and emotions, lose control of it through sinister government forces, who use it for covert military ops.
Most of Brainstorm was filmed in 1981, then delayed release to 1983 because of Natalie Wood’s death mid-production. She had finished all, but three scenes which were re-filmed without her. It was also a comeback for Cliff Robertson, who had been blacklisted for reporting check forgery by then-head of Columbia Pictures, David Begelman. Ordinarily such publicity might help a film make money. In this case, it didn’t. Brainstorm wasn’t the hit MGM hoped for; however, it’s become a cult favorite, being Miss Wood’s final effort.
It’s also a rarity, being one of the few films Chris Walken isn’t an insane psychic or murderer. He’s well-played as Dr. Michael Brace who helps invent the new wonder machine,
..but it was Louise Fletcher, who received most of the good reviews for her role as Lillian Reynolds, who records her own death.
Natalie Wood is Karen Brace (wife of Michael) who designs the headphones for recording thought. It’s sad, of course, seeing the final performance of what they used to call a real movie star. (We don’t have any more.) At age 43, she’s still beautiful and it’s not surprising the film is dedicated to her in the final credits.
The director is Douglas Trumbull, famous in his own right for his special effects work in “2001”. Without Trumbull, the film would never have come to fruition. MGM wanted to dump it after Wood’s unexpected drowning. Trumbull convinced them not to and completed it against difficult odds. Film also anticipates IMAX during the “Brainstorm” mind recordings – filmed with widescreen 65mm film.
The Score – Music Composed by James Horner, who became more famous for his Oscar-winning score for “Titanic”, 1997. (Another sad note; Horner died last year while piloting an experimental plane.) He was only thirty when he composed Brainstorm, a remarkable achievement at any age. Soundtrack is played by the London Symphony Orchestra – the sound is excellent. He integrates piano interludes thru Karen’s character. (Wood plays piano onscreen.) Ear-catching themes during the computer sequences. Effective use of a boy’s choir and the haunting final music is chilling.
Text © 2016 – ERN
Direction by Michael Winner is slick, professional, potent. Despite being forty-two years old, this movie is not dated. The initial attack is savage and disturbing, foreshadowing what’s happening today.
Star Charles Bronson was a tough guy in real life. (Former coal miner and WWII Vet; winner of the Purple Heart.) Not like the limp-wristed punks in films today. Bronson appears quiet and intelligent. It’s great to see him take on the scum of the streets.
Score by Herbie Hancock is almost futuristic, a sound that keeps it fresh and exciting.
FBI director James Comey found former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton “grossly negligent and careless with top secret, classified files” and then lets her off the hook because he can’t figure out her “intent”. That’s not Comey’s decision. It’s up to gov’t prosecuting attorneys. Either way, this may be the defining moment of the 2016 Election.
Questions…Was the “Lady Gaga” character originally intended for Lina Morgana? Was Stefani Germanotta chosen instead because she was willing to join the Illuminati? Did Lina Morgana know something that could jeopardize the career of the new “Lady Gaga”? 
Prince’s eye ring and pyramid symbol of the Illuminati.
The New Yorker magazine already has their memorial cover all ready to go on the day he died. Did they know beforehand?
For the second year in a row, “African-American” actors were not nominated for an Academy Award. In reaction, Jada Pinkett Smith, upset over her husband Will Smith not being nominated, called for black actors to boycott the show. Also, the Motion Picture Academy has officially decided to let go many lifetime members for being too old and too white. Ironically, it is incorrect that no blacks received an Oscar this year – director Spike Lee received an honorary award. (He refused to attend.) “Straight Outta Compton” was also nominated for “Best Screenplay”.
British actress Charlotte Rampling received weak applause when her name was read from the list of “Best Actress” nominees. She was one of the few to speak out against the Academy, saying, the reason black actors weren’t nominated was because they didn’t deserve it.
The mysterious apartment building known as “the Bramford” is really “the Dakota” where John Lennon was shot to death on Dec. 8, 1980. (Dec. 9th in Liverpool – #9.)
Composer Krzysztof Komeda who wrote the eerie score died a year later from a brain injury.
Robert Redford lost the role of Guy Woodhouse due to legal reasons. John Cassavetes was cast instead.
“Family Guy” is well known for its predictive programming. Creator Seth MacFarlane is an Illuminati insider who says he missed flying into the Twin Towers on 9/11 because of confusion about his flight time and a hangover.
