For the length of the movie, we experience life through the eyes of a scientist played by Bill Pullman, who may be the victim of insanity, a brain injury, the manipulations of a supernatural figure or an evil corporation, etc. (you cannot be sure which until the end of the movie), and who may or may not have killed his family. Reality is constantly changing for him and no matter how real things may appear to be, it may all turn out to be an illusion at any second. Despite how disorienting this may be, the plot is very coherent and has a sense of continuity to it, and you feel as if the characters are moving towards a goal or some sort of resolution, unlike with many surreal films.

Written by Charles Beaumont, one of the most frequent scripters for the Twilight Zone, this movie is like an extended episode of the show (which often dealt with characters suddenly finding themselves fallen out of normal life and into a disorienting situation). Unfortunately, as interesting as the ride is, the ending (which is merely o.k.) left me feeling cheated. If it were a half-hour show, this would be more bearable, but you expect more after sitting through a feature-length movie.

It is a well-made, well-acted film worth watching at least once, maybe twice, but knowing the ending spoils it.

If you haven't seen Lost Highway yet, viewing Brain Dead beforehand should help you appreciate both films that much more. Yes, the scenes in the low-budget Brain Dead have far less atmosphere and props than Lost Highway, BUT then the cleverness of the plot does not seem so "deliberately wrought" with every viewing step of the way, as it can in Lost Highway.