Brain Dead (1990)

A psychological thriller from the writer of the original "Twilight Zone!" In a showdown of man vs. machine, Martin plunges into a chaotic nightmare trying to save his mind from the ... See full summary »

Director:

Adam Simon

Writers:

Charles Beaumont (screenplay), Adam Simon (screenplay),

Stars:

Bill Pullman, Bill Paxton, Bud Cort

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Pullman	...	Rex Martin
Bill Paxton	...	Jim Reston
Bud Cort	...	Jack Halsey
Nicholas Pryor	...	Man in Bloody White Suit / Ramsen / Ed Conklin
Patricia Charbonneau	...	Dana Martin
George Kennedy	...	Vance
Brian Brophy	...	Ellis
David Sinaiko	...	Berkovitch
Lee Arenberg	...	Sacks
Andy Wood	...	Brain Surgeon
Maud Winchester	...	Crazy Anna
Lisa Moncure	...	Board Member
Jon Kellam	...	Board Member
Willie Garson	...	Board Member
John Paxton	...	Board Member

Storyline

A psychological thriller from the writer of the original "Twilight Zone!" In a showdown of man vs. machine, Martin plunges into a chaotic nightmare trying to save his mind from the megalomaniacal corporation!

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Plot Keywords:

nightmare | switched identity | psychotronic | dream within a dream within a dream | brain | 

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Taglines:

From the writer of the original "Twilight Zone" comes the most terrifying film of the decade.

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Roger Corman: The Official DVD Website

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Paranoia

Filming Locations:

Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant - 6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,627,955 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Concorde Pictures, New Horizons

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dr Martin mentions that he went to "Miskatonic University", the college where Re-Animator took place. Miskatonic University is supposedly located in Arkham, MA, a fictional town created by H.P. Lovecraft.

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Goofs

The computer in the brain lab changes from IBM compatible type (when switched off) to Commodore Amiga (when graphics is displayed).

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Quotes

Dr. Halsey: We can't all do good, but at least do no harm.

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Connections

Edited into Starquest II (1996)

User Reviews

A Marvelous Film

Brain Dead is a very hard movie to describe because of its constant twists and turns. This movie truly turns you in circles and can be very confusing upon first viewing. Still, this is a really good film with good acting from Pill Pullman and Bill Paxton. The whole concept of the film is based on whether this is a dream or reality and the rest is left to the viewer. The ending is rather sudden but very appropriate and dramatic. This is definitely the type of film you sit through the credits at the end in bewilderment. Truly a surprise, especially considering the fact that this is a Concord produced film and most of their movies are mediocre at best. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is into the David Lynch style of film-making. This is definitely a true mind-bender. 9/10 stars