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Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Science Fiction · Thriller · 1983

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.

Movie details

Brainstorm

“The door to the mind is open.”

1983 Science Fiction · Thriller 1h 46m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.2 / 10

Community rating

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.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Brainstorm?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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I Am Mother

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Automata

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Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent of ROC robotics corporation, routinely investigates the case of manipulating a robot. What he discovers will have profound consequences for the future of humanity.

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Disclosure Day

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Sleep Dealer

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Set in a near-future, militarized world marked by closed borders, virtual labor and a global digital network that joins minds and experiences, three strangers risk their lives to connect with each other and break the barriers of technology.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Douglas Trumbull

Written by

Philip Frank Messina · Bruce Joel Rubin · Robert Stitzel

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken

Michael Brace

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood

Karen Brace

Louise Fletcher

Louise Fletcher

Lillian Reynolds

Cliff Robertson

Cliff Robertson

Alex Terson

Jordan Christopher

Jordan Christopher

Gordy Forbes

Donald Hotton

Donald Hotton

Landan Marks

Alan Fudge

Alan Fudge

Robert Jenkins

Court is in session

Put Brainstorm on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Prestige Tourist

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.