Brainstorm

Directed by William Conrad, Brainstorm follows Jeffrey Hunter’s Jim Grayam as he falls in love with the wife (Anne Francis’ Lorrie) of his powerful boss (Dana Andrews’ Cort) – with the narrative detailing the complications that inevitably ensue as a result of this illicit coupling. It’s a fairly familiar premise that’s employed as a springboard for an increasingly outlandish and downright nutty narrative, as Conrad, armed with a script by Mann Rubin, delivers a slow-paced yet consistently watchable melodrama that gets off to an admittedly engrossing start – with the picture’s electrifying opening scene (and subsequent first act) certainly capturing the viewer’s interest and attention. There’s little doubt, as well, that Brainstorm benefits from Hunter’s compelling performance and Sam Leavitt’s stark, memorable visuals, and while the overlong running time does pave the way for a few lulls, the picture progresses into a second half that goes in thoroughly unexpected (and larger-than-life) directions – which, despite a climactic stretch that goes on just a little too long, confirms the film’s place as a stirring endeavor that’s hardly the standard film noir one might’ve anticipated.

**1/2 out of ****