“Billion Dollar Brain” (1967)

Drama

Running Time: 111 minutes

Written by: John McGrath

Directed by: Ken Russell

Featuring: Michael Caine, Karl Malden, Ed Begley, Oscar Homolka and Françoise Dorléac

Col.Stok: “I suppose a young man like you wouldn’t know the pleasure of removing a tight collar.”

Harry Palmer: “I thought Lenin called such comforts “momentary interest.””

Col.Stok: “Don’t tell me what Lenin said. I touched Lenin. I stood by him in Ruzheinaya Square in July, nineteen hundred and twenty; the second congress. I touched him. Those are the words he used to describe the comforts and pleasures with which the proletariat are diverted from their more important historic mission. But I am not being diverted. Well, are you going to offer me another drink?”

Harry Palmer: “In England, Colonel, the historic mission of the proletariat consists almost entirely of momentary interest.”

Critical Commentary

“Billion Dollar Brain” is a 1967 spy film directed by Ken Russell and starring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, a former British secret agent who is drawn into a plot to overthrow the Soviet Union with the help of a supercomputer. The film also features Ed Begley, Françoise Dorléac, and Karl Malden.

“Billion Dollar Brain” was the third film in the Harry Palmer series, following “The Ipcress File” (1965) and “Funeral in Berlin” (1966). The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to solidify Caine’s status as a leading man. The film’s plot is complex and convoluted, but it can be summarized as follows: Palmer is hired by an anonymous party to deliver a package to Helsinki. However, he soon learns that he has been duped into working for the British Secret Service, and that the package contains stolen virus-infected eggs. Palmer is then tasked with thwarting a plot by a Texas oil baron (Begley) who is planning to use the supercomputer to launch a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union.

The film’s tone is a mix of satire, action, and suspense. Russell’s direction is stylish and visually arresting, and he makes effective use of colour and music. Caine is excellent as Palmer, and he brings a sense of humour and humanity to the role. The supporting cast is also strong, with Begley, Dorléac, and Malden all giving memorable performances.

“Billion Dollar Brain” is a flawed but entertaining film. The plot is often confusing and the film’s satire can be heavy-handed at times. However, the film’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Russell’s direction is excellent, Caine is great, and the film is full of memorable moments.

The film’s visual style is striking. Russell uses color and music effectively to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense. Caine is excellent as Harry Palmer. He brings a sense of humor and humanity to the role, and he makes Palmer a sympathetic and relatable character.

The supporting cast is also strong. Begley, Dorléac, and Malden all give memorable performances.

The plot is often confusing. It can be difficult to keep track of who is working for whom, and what the ultimate goal of the villains is. The film’s satire can be heavy-handed at times. Russell doesn’t always strike the right balance between humour and seriousness.

The film’s ending is somewhat anticlimactic.

“Billion Dollar Brain” is a flawed but entertaining film. It is worth watching for Russell’s direction, Caine’s performance, and the film’s memorable moments. However, viewers should be prepared for a confusing plot and some heavy-handed satire.

The film’s visual style is one of its strongest aspects. Russell uses color and music effectively to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense. For example, the film’s opening sequence is set in a dark and stormy night, and the use of red and blue lighting creates a sense of tension and foreboding. The film’s later scenes in Helsinki are also visually striking, with the use of snow and ice creating a sense of isolation and bleakness.

Caine is excellent as Harry Palmer. He brings a sense of humor and humanity to the role, and he makes Palmer a sympathetic and relatable character. Palmer is a former British secret agent who has been forced to leave the service after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit. He is now working as a private detective, but he is still drawn into the world of espionage when he is hired to deliver a package to Helsinki.

The supporting cast is also strong. Begley is memorable as the Texas oil baron who is planning to use the supercomputer to launch a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. Dorléac is also good as the mysterious woman who helps Palmer on his mission. And Malden is solid as the British Secret Service agent who is tasked with keeping Palmer in line.

The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting. The film’s most memorable action sequence is a car chase that takes place in Helsinki. The chase is fast-paced and suspenseful, and it features some impressive stunts.

The film’s satire is often sharp and witty. Russell skewers the world of espionage, and he also takes aim at the Cold War mentality. The film’s satire is sometimes heavy-handed, but it is also often funny and insightful.

I would recommend “Billion Dollar Brain” to fans of Ken Russell, Michael Caine, and spy films. It is a visually striking and entertaining film, but it is not without its flaws. If you are looking for a straightforward spy thriller, then you may be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a film with a bit of humour, style, and satire, then Billion Dollar Brain is worth a watch.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.34:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, “Billion Dollar Brain” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The release is sourced from an older master that was supplied by MGM. The quality of this master is very similar to the one Paramount Pictures provided for Funeral in Berlin, which means that even though there are some inherited limitations that make the film look dated, its overall appearance is still rather pleasing.

Audio

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: LPCM 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.

Special Features

• Interview with Rob Mallows of “The Deighton Dossier” – in this new program, critic Rob Mallows discusses the success of Len Deighton’s The Ipcress File and Michael Caine’s transformation into Harry Palmer, the unique image of the spy (and particularly his anti-James Bond qualities), producer Harry Saltzman’s relationship with the spy, the production of Billion Dollar Brain and its reception, etc. In English, not subtitled. (13 min).
• Photographing Spies: Interview with Cinematographer Billy Williams – in this new program, cinematographer Billy Williams recalls how he was offered to replace cinematographer Otto Heller, Ken Russell’s work on Billion Dollar Brain, the film’s tone and personality, the awful shooting conditions in Finland, the tragic death of Françoise Dorleac, Michael Caine’s risky performance on the floating ice blocks at the end of the film, etc. In English, not subtitled. (14 min).
• Billion Dollar Frame: Interview with Associate Editor Willy Kemplen – in this new program, associate editor Willy Kemplen recalls what it was like to work with editor Alan Osbiston and producer Harry Saltzman, the fact that Billion Dollar Brain was not a typical Ken Russell film, the director’s “difficult” reputation, some interesting interactions he had with various cast members as well as Andre De Toth, etc. There are some interesting comments about the final version of the film as well. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).
• “This Week” – Excerpt of Michael Caine Discussing the British Film Industry – in this archival video piece, Michael Caine discusses the state of the British Film Industry during the 1960s as well as its dependence on American funds. In English, not subtitled. (6 min).