Brainstorm (1965)

After saving her from a suicide attempt, a young scientist (Jeffrey Hunter) falls in love with the wife (Anne Francis) of a wealthy but sadistic millionaire (Dana Andrews). Together, they plot his murder with the intent of using not guilty by reason of insanity as his plea. This minor but clever noirish thriller was poorly received upon its initial release but during the ensuing years, its reputation has grown considerably and it's easy to see why. Directed by William Conrad, the film would make an excellent double bill with Fuller's SHOCK CORRIDOR since thematically they share similar territory. I actually prefer it to the Fuller film which is often too ludicrous. BRAINSTORM manages to eclipse its pulp roots and bring a provocative take on the noir genre. Hunter's performance is slightly problematic. Since he's "acting" insanity, it's unclear whether his awkwardness is the character or the actor. The most interesting character is the ambiguous psychiatrist played by Viveca Lindfors. Played with a Mona Lisa smile, we're never quite sure how much she knows and how "pure" her motives are. Shot in handsome B&W Panavision by Oscar winner Sam Leavitt (ANATOMY OF A MURDER) with a jazz infused score by George Duning (PICNIC). With Kathie Browne, Michael Pate and Strother Martin.