Imagine a world where you could transfer thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensations to others. Any person, with the aid of a special virtual reality machine, could experience life as anyone in the world. Live their experiences. Feel their feelings. Even react how they would react. Now, imagine that same technology…in the wrong hands.
Brainstorm is a clever and intriguing film that explores what happens when a seemingly brilliant idea is in danger of being corrupted and used for less than noble purposes. Taking us through this thrilling journey are Christopher Walken (Batman Returns, The Rundown, The Deer Hunter, The Country Bears, that SNL sketch where he says, “I’ve got a fev-ah. And the only prescription is more cowbell!,” along with dozens of other things), and Natalie Wood (yes, that Natalie Wood, from Miracle on 34th Street).
I liked the movie primarily for Walken because he always brings a uniqueness to his roles just by being who he is, but also because the technology and effects are pretty cool for a film made in 1983. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised; the effects were done by the same guy who did the SFX for 2001: A Space Odyessy, Douglas Trumbull. Oh, and he directed Brainstorm, too.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in another person’s skin and live their life, check out Brainstorm on Blu-ray. You may or may not change you mind.