The Brain (1988 film)
The Brain is a 1988 Canadian science fiction horror film depicting a giant brain-like alien that terrorizes. The film has developed a small cult following.[1]
| The Brain | |
|---|---|
 VHS cover | |
| Directed by | Edward Hunt |
| Story by | Barry Pearson |
| Produced by | Don Haig |
| Starring | Tom Bresnahan Cynthia Preston David Gale |
| Cinematography | Gilles Corbeil |
| Music by | Paul Zaza |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Brightstar Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Plot
Dr. Blakely runs a TV show called Independent Thinking, which is a Scientology-like self-help/religion program. But he is not making his audience think any more independently - with the help of an alien organism he calls The Brain, he is using brainwashing and mind control. The only thing that stands between them and world domination is a brilliant but troubled high school student with a penchant for pranks.
Cast
- David Gale as Dr. Anthony Blakely
- Tom Bresnahan as Jim Majelewski
- Cynthia Preston as Janet
- George Buza as Varna
- Brett Pearson as Willie
- Sarah Chapple as Debbie Hodges
- Christine Kossak as Vivian
Release
The Brain was shown in Toronto, Canada on November 4, 1988.[2]
Reception
From contemporary reviews, "Devo." of Variety reviewed the film on November 3, 1988.[3] "Devo." stated the film was a "cliche-ridden effort, with little comic or ironic relief to put a spin on it sci-fi banalities."[3] The reviewer went on to declare that the film's "ambition to comment on the power of tv and gullibility of its viewers vanishes quickly."[3]
References
- "Haberman's Retrospective Hijinx - Pick Your Poison!". DreadCentral. 28 September 2012.
- "Item". Library and Archives Canada. 12 May 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
- Devo. 1991.
Sources
- Devo. (1991). Variety's Film Reviews 1987-1988. Vol. 20. R. R. Bowker. There are no page numbers in this book. This entry is found under the header "November 9, 1988". ISBN 0-8352-2667-0.
