Our brains are subtle and fragile organic computers, governed by tiny electrical impulses, subtle growth and death, neurotransmitter chemistry. Just having a drink too many results in neurocide of dramatic proportions.

So it’s funny to see how they handle this delicate organ in films.

First example: Phenomenon – relatively mediocre film starring John Travolta. In this movie, John has a bunch of tumors growing in his brain. This makes him a super genius with extraordinary powers (and he gets the girl) – instead of turning into a vegetable. Yeeeeessss. Let’s call it wishful thinking.

Another one: (spoiler alert) the interesting Pi from Darren Aronofsky. Worth seeing. But in this movie, the main character removes his mathematical genius, which causes unbearable headaches, by – gasp – drilling into his own head.

And talking about micro surgery: what about Fight Club (spoiler alert). After many adventures, Tyler Durden realizes he’s actually schizophrenic, and part of his life is lived by an alternate personality. So what does he do ? Go for a Haldol and Thorazine cocktail ? No, he takes a gun, and shoots into his temple at a non-lethal angle. Problem solved.

Life is extraordinarily simple in movies.