Brainstorm *** (1983, Natalie Wood, Christopher Walken, Louise Fletcher, Cliff Robertson) – Classic Movie Review 6088

Producer-director Douglas Trumbull’s 1983 sci-fi thriller hokum Brainstorm about a devastating device that records emotions to transmit them to other people is fairly engaging.

Christopher Walken and Louise Fletcher steal the film as the brilliant research scientists Michael Brace and Lillian Reynolds who invent the device, which the military hijacks for its own sinister reasons. Natalie Wood plays Michael’s estranged wife Karen Brace, who also works on the project, and Michael uses the system to become close again to her.

Trumbull is also responsible for the incredible visuals and impressive trick effects, which are a considerable asset to the enjoyment of the movie.

Also in the cast are Cliff Robertson, Jordan Christopher, Alan Fudge, Joe Dorsey, Bill Morey, Jason Lively, Darrell Larson, and Lou Walker.

Brainstorm is directed by Douglas Trumbull, runs 106 minutes, is made by JF Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and SLM Entertainment, is released by MGM/UA Entertainment Company (1983) (US) and United International Pictures (UIP) (1984) (UK), is written by Robert Stitzel (screenplay) and Philip Frank Messina (screenplay) and Bruce Joel Rubin (story), is shot by Richard Yuricich, is produced by Joel L Freedman (executive producer) and Douglas Trumbull, scored by James Horner and is designed by John Vallone.

Casting a long, dark shadow over the movie, Natalie Wood died in mysterious circumstances aboard her husband Robert Wagner’s yacht Splendour along with both Robert Wagner and her co-star here Christopher Walken during a holiday break from filming Brainstorm. Wood drowned off Santa Catalina Island on 29 November 1981, aged 43.

Wood died near the end of principal photography, but Trumbull’s contract gave him the right to decide whether or not complete the film. He stood up to studio executives and finished it, using a stand-in and changing camera angles for Wood’s remaining shots. The ending was constructed out of scenes shot earlier and the film was dedicated to her memory. After the final credit, ‘TO NATALIE’ appears on screen.

The Last Married Couple in America (1980) is the last completed theatrical release Natalie Wood made before her death in 1981.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6088

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