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Sci-fi thriller

Brainstorm (1983): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Brainstorm (1983) movie poster

Brainstorm is a 1983 sci-fi thriller directed by Douglas Trumbull, starring Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood and Louise Fletcher. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $10.2 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Best Actress at the Saturn Awards 1984. Critics gave it 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10.

IMDb rating
6.4/10
worldwide gross
$10.2M
award won
1
Metascore
57
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Brainstorm (1983) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Douglas Trumbull
Genres
Sci-Fi , Thriller
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Brainstorm About?

The premise of Brainstorm without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Researchers Lillian Reynolds and Michael Brace pioneer a revolutionary technology capable of recording and replaying human thoughts, emotions, and memories. As they delve deeper, the implications become increasingly unsettling, revealing the potential for misuse including government control and disturbing obsessions. The scientists must then grapple with the frightening possibility of facing their own mortality through the technology's unforeseen consequences.

Brainstorm Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • experimental technology
  • virtual reality
  • character's point of view camera shot
  • microchip
  • scientist
  • female scientist
  • f word
  • ceo
  • product placement
  • troubled production
  • star died before release
  • one word title
+38 more
  • cult film
  • general
  • government agent
  • sabotage
  • security guard
  • car phone
  • wiretapping
  • corporate conspiracy
  • revelation
  • corporate corruption
  • deception
  • betrayal
  • double cross
  • foot chase
  • museum
  • reference to the wright brothers
  • golden gate bridge
  • san francisco california
  • water slide
  • roller coaster
  • flight simulator
  • psychological warfare
  • brainwashing
  • henchman
  • hospital
  • doctor
  • heart attack
  • laptop computer
  • mind control
  • sexual fantasy
  • virtual sex
  • revenge
  • robot
  • power outage
  • surveillance
  • security camera
  • waterfall
  • north carolina
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Cast & crew

Brainstorm Cast

Christopher Walken leads the cast, with Natalie Wood and Louise Fletcher. Directed by Douglas Trumbull; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Douglas Trumbull

One more film directed by Douglas Trumbull: Silent Running.

Full filmography
Ratings

Brainstorm Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Brainstorm 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10.

Plot

Brainstorm Plot Summary

What happens in Brainstorm from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Scientists invent a brain–computer interface that records sensations from a person’s brain on tape for others to experience. The team includes estranged husband and wife Michael and Karen, as well as Michael’s colleague Lillian. Under CEO Alex’s direction, they demonstrate the device to investors to secure financing.

Karen dons the recorder while Michael and Lillian operate the system. When Michael plays the tape back, the group realizes that not only sensations but also emotions are captured. Michael records memories of times with Karen, sharing them with her, and this leads to their reconciliation.

Alex and his investors push to recruit Landan, who works for the federal government and has military ties, onto the team. Karen strongly opposes the plan to develop the invention for military use.

Full summary

The whole story of Brainstorm, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Brainstorm Box Office

Brainstorm grossed $10.2 million worldwide.

1983 box office

Worldwide gross

$10.2M

US & Canada
$10.2M
Awards

Brainstorm Awards & Nominations

Brainstorm won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Best Actress at the Saturn Awards 1984.

1 win4 nominations1 ceremony

Videos

Brainstorm Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Brainstorm.

Brainstorm (1983) [Trailer]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Brainstorm?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays the scientist Michael?

Cars

Cars in Brainstorm

16 cars on screen, including the 1981 Ford Bronco and the 1973 Chevrolet Bel Air.

All 16 cars
  • 1981 Ford Bronco in Brainstorm 1981 Ford Bronco Important role
  • 1973 Chevrolet Bel Air in Brainstorm 1973 Chevrolet Bel Air Minor role
  • Chevrolet Step-Van in Brainstorm Chevrolet Step-Van Minor role
  • E-Z-Go X-440 in Brainstorm E-Z-Go X-440 Minor role
Details

Brainstorm Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Proyecto Brainstorm” and “科技风暴”.

Also known as
  • Proyecto Brainstorm
  • 科技风暴
  • Projekt Brainstorm
  • Brainstorm - Generazione elettronica
  • Мозговой штурм
  • Έμπνευση
  • סערת מוחין
  • Agyhalál
  • 브레인스톰
  • Projeto Brainstorm
  • 尖端大风暴
  • طوفان فکری
+3 more
  • ブレインストーム
  • Projecte Brainstorm
  • Burza mózgów

Seen Brainstorm?

FAQ

Brainstorm FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Brainstorm, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Brainstorm?

Brainstorm runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was Brainstorm released?

Brainstorm was released on September 30, 1983.

Who directed Brainstorm?

Brainstorm was directed by Douglas Trumbull.

More films by Douglas Trumbull

Who is in the cast of Brainstorm?

Brainstorm stars Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood and Louise Fletcher, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Brainstorm make at the box office?

Brainstorm grossed $10.2 million worldwide.

How is Brainstorm rated?

Brainstorm has 6.4/10 on IMDb and 57 on Metacritic.

What awards did Brainstorm win?

Brainstorm won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Best Actress at the Saturn Awards 1984.

Does Brainstorm have a post-credit scene?

No. Brainstorm has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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