Watch The Brain Machine

The Brain Machine is a science fiction film from 1972, directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. The film's budget was relatively low, and it didn't receive a lot of attention when it was first released. However, over the years, it has built up something of a cult following, as it stands out as a fascinating snapshot of a particular era in film-making.

The story of The Brain Machine centers around a character named Jim Buchanan (played by James Best). Buchanan is a former cop who has been working on a new invention - a device that can connect people's brains wirelessly. This device, which he calls The Brain Machine, has the potential to revolutionize the world of communication, and Buchanan is convinced that it will be a major achievement for humanity.

However, not everyone is on board with Buchanan's creation. He finds himself besieged by a group of dangerous people who want to steal his invention for their own purposes. These villains, led by a man named K.W. Crome (played by Rudy Solari), are willing to use any means necessary to get their hands on The Brain Machine, including murder and kidnapping.

As Buchanan tries to keep his invention out of the wrong hands, he begins to realize that The Brain Machine might be even more powerful than he had initially thought. It seems to have the ability to tap into the human subconscious, allowing people to communicate their deepest emotions and desires in a way that was previously impossible. But this new power also comes with a dangerous side-effect - those who use The Brain Machine for too long begin to lose touch with reality and become consumed by their darkest thoughts.

Despite its low budget and somewhat rough-around-the-edges production values, The Brain Machine manages to create a compelling world that draws viewers in. The film's aesthetic is pure 1970s, with its bright colors, bold patterns, and low-budget special effects. The camera work is often inventive and experimental, with sequences that feel dreamlike and disorienting.

One of the standout elements of The Brain Machine is the performance of James Best as Jim Buchanan. Best, who is perhaps best known for his role as Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard, gives a nuanced and engaging performance as a man whose obsession with his invention puts him in danger. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, making Buchanan both sympathetic and flawed.

The supporting cast is also strong, including Barbara Burgess as Buchanan's love interest Dr. Nora Hayden, and Gil Peterson as his friend and ally, Dr. Frank Mahoney. The villains are suitably creepy and menacing, with Solari's K.W. Crome standing out as a particularly sinister presence.

One of the most interesting themes explored in The Brain Machine is the idea of technology as both a tool and a danger. Buchanan's invention is clearly meant to be a force for good, but it quickly becomes apparent that it has the potential to be misused in terrible ways. This is a concept that is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the implications of new technologies like artificial intelligence, social media, and virtual reality.

Overall, The Brain Machine is a film that has aged surprisingly well. While it might not have the slick production values of modern blockbusters, it has a certain charm and quirkiness that makes it appealing to fans of genre cinema. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, as there are many subtle details and layers to the story that might not be apparent on first watch. For fans of science fiction, The Brain Machine is definitely worth checking out.

The Brain Machine is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1.