Is The Brain Machine Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Brain Machine is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Brain Machine Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1972, The Brain Machine emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Several people volunteer for a scientific experiment about mind-reading and memory, but the experiment goes horribly wrong. Unlike standard genre fare, The Brain Machine attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Brain Machine features a noteworthy lineup led by James Best . Supported by the likes of Barbara Burgess and Gil Peterson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Brain Machine (1972) is negative. With an audience rating of 2.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Brain Machine Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Brain Machine is a Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Brain Machine Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Brain Machine attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Brain Machine reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Brain Machine?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Brain Machine
- James Best – Rev. Emory Neill
- Barbara Burgess – Dr. Carol Portland
- Gil Peterson – Dr. Elton Morris
- Gerald McRaney – Willie West
- Marcus J. Grapes – Judd Reeves
Top Highlights
James BestRev. Emory Neill
Barbara BurgessDr. Carol Portland
Gil PetersonDr. Elton Morris
Gerald McRaneyWillie West
Marcus J. GrapesJudd Reeves
Doug CollinsDr. Roland Roth
Ann LathamMinnie Lee Parks
Thomas Hal PhillipsThe General
Christian GarrisonGarrison
Stocker FontelieuSaxon
Where to Watch The Brain Machine Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Brain Machine has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Brain Machine stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Brain Machine movie hit or flop?
The Brain Machine is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2.7/10 and lower collections.
Is The Brain Machine worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2.7/10, The Brain Machine may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Brain Machine online?
The Brain Machine may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Brain Machine
This is a low-budget 70's film which stems from the cinematic crazes of both the 'evilly-implemented mind control' ('The Manchurian Candidate' and 'The Ipcress File') and 'paranoia about government conspiracy' subgenres that were fervently expressed in the Vietnam/Watergate era of American cinema. For me, growing up watching James Best as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in 'The Dukes of Hazzard', it was intriguing to watch him here, as a priest selected as one of 4 paid volunteers for an experiment supposedly run by the ECC, an environmental organization. It ends up that it's just a cover to test an experimental mind-control 'Brain Machine' that the U.S. government wants, in order to keep it's citizens in line, in the name of 'keeping social order'. Admittedly, when one of the directors says that the future is surveillance, I couldn't help but shudder at the parallels to society today, in this post-9/11 era. Unfortunately, the more time that passes, the closer these Orwellian cinematic views of civilization and its discontents come to mirroring the way life has become. No spoilers, but the machine forces the person to tell the truth. Growing up, I have learned that honesty is not always the best policy. In fact, life has to endure the 'little white lie' in order to have things run peacefully. While no cinematic masterwork, this film more than suffices as Exhibit A for evidence. Definitely worth a watch, especially if you can handle 1970's, TV-movie-style filmmaking.
Oh, my gosh, I thought CBS prime-time television shows were the worst things Gerald McRaney appeared in. Four people are experimented on by a crazed mind control computer. That's it, don't rent it. I saw this under one of its many titles- "Grey Matter," and it is perhaps one of the worst films of recent memory. The other reviews are right, it is awful. Never have so many establishing shots appeared onscreen, NEVER. The cast is awful, the direction is awful, and the script is awful. I cannot stress how awful this is. Avoid it like you would smallpox. (PG13)- physical violence, some gun violence, mild gore, some profanity, and some adult situations.
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