Private collaborators include the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Kavli Foundation, and Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

FORBES: President Obama Pledges $100 Million To The Human BRAIN Initiative

"In order to learn quantum mechanics, you have to strip to your raw, erase all the garbage from your brain and start over again, " Hughes said.

WSJ: Columbia prof strips, shows 9/11 tape during class

While he comes to look like the real-life Hughes as his character ages, he remains unconvincing as a man tortured by brain disease.

WSJ: A Flashy, Flawed 'Aviator'