The Substance of Fire

Starring:Tony Goldwyn, Benjamin Ungar, Timothy Hutton, Tom McDermott, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ron Rifkin, George Morfogen, Lee Grant, Andrew Pang, Edmund Ikeda, Elizabeth Franz, Gil Bellows, Eric Bogosian, Ronny Graham, John Sullivan (XVIII), Sophia Salguero, John Patrick Walker, Roger Rees, Viola Davis, David S. Howard
Director: Daniel J. Sullivan
Studio: Miramax
Product Type: DVD

Customer Reviews:

Simon had no choices.......2007-01-14

Or so he thought. I really liked this story of a child being raised with making no choices of his own and what the "damage of rebellion" really caused to him. Then when he was able to make choices, they were bad ones. This is very true to life of children being raised in this kind of environment. I think that the only bad choice that Simon made was to involve himself in the drug scene of the hippies. All of the other choices that he was making was "freeing" him of his own bondage and the bondage of his family. Being freed of this bondage gave him the ability to "remember" the truth of what really happened to his mother. I do recommend this movie to anyone that has an open mind to see what choices were really being made.

Far-out man........2005-09-27

It's a story we've all heard 100 times: good boy goes to bording school, boy meets stoner, stoner takes him to hippie concert, boy makes new friends, does numerous drugs, then sells drugs, hates his father and step-mother, spirals out of control, and ends up in rehab. I couldn't decide if this film was for drugs, or against. Maybe the pros/cons of the whole scene. Overall the films story was half jam-band parking lot life, and half the ups and downs of the boy Simon. Even though I could relate to some things, overall I felt the movie was kind of a buzz-kill. No bands were actually in "Around The Fire" either. And no great acting to be found. The only "star" here was really Tara Reid (pre-implants). Overall decent for those who attend shows, but it basically just reminded me of countless losers I've known (meaning those who didn't know when to say when). Peace.

Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see.......2004-12-08

If you've ever been a fan of the jam-band scene, and still maintain some intelligence or vestige of sanity, you will vastly enjoy watching this film, again and again. Not for the soundtrack (which includes such classics as Marley, Dire Straits, Phish and Winwood), not for the actors (although there are some good ones), not for the 'authentic' lot-scene ambience. You'll love this movie because it is so unbelievably lame, you will not be able to stop laughing.

From the early scene where Andrew asks Simon what music he listens to, Simon replies "what kind of question is that?" and Andrew declares, "That's only the most important question I could ever ask you," this movie is fully loaded with some of the cheesiest and most hilariously lame moments I have ever seen. Kate Matthews, the world's most unprofessional rehab counselor, flies off the handle with no more provocation than a little junkie 'tude, then laughs at Simon for ending up in rehab. Andrew comes out with lines like "ALWAYS check the hippie pouch," and introduces Simon to guys who blow into conch shells to determine the future. A lot of guys in the movie dance with their arms above their heads, looking like complete idiots. Jennifer and Trace laugh uproariously every time Simon says something naive or stupid, leading me to wonder, was nobody else willing to be their friend before he came along? In this movie, hanging out with someone for two hours makes you a friend for life.

The best character in the movie is Kevin, Simon's "demented friend" who is in a wheelchair and at death's door for reasons that are never explained (outside of Kevin saying "I had WAY too much fun"). He asks Simon about his experience at a concert, Simon replies, "I can't put it into words," and Kevin counters sagely: "You just did." When Kevin starts strumming his guitar, entire drum circles fall silent so he can play original compositions like "I Don't Mind Failing In This World"; creative works that make the Dude of Life seem like Mozart. He abruptly dies when the plot finds it convenient, leaving Simon - who has apparently hung out with him a handful of times - to bear the responsibility of scattering his ashes. Huh?!?

Add to this inexplicable flashbacks-within-flashbacks, the spectre of Simon's mother's death (also never explained; the movie suggests she had WAY too much fun as well), and a series of festivals and concerts during which you NEVER see a band or any musicians at all (except Kevin) and you have a film that will leave you scratching your head in puzzlement and laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of it all.

It's time to open the package!

over the edge for the 21 centurey great film.......2004-08-03

this film is a great this cast wonderful and the story is good to. If you want to show your kid's the way drugs can hurt you then show them this movie. It takes time but there is a great message at the end of this film. if you like this movie then watch over the edge.

So bad that it's actually entertaining.......2004-05-04

WORST MOVIE EVER. It was an insult to one's intelligence, and it is sure to offend anyone who identifies with any or all of the groups portrayed in the film. Clearly, this movie is a sterilized Evangelical Christian movie, portraying the "evils" of homosexuality, Jews, hippies, drug use, divorce, adultery, etc. While it doesn't specifically state that the solution to all of these problems and more is faith in Jesus Christ, it might as well. The movie looks as if those parts have been removed and reserved for the version that undoubtedly is played in youth ministries across the country. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was funded by the department of faith-based initiatives!
However, I have to admit that this film was wildly entertaining, bringing me to tears of laughter on many occassions. (Be sure to watch for the confused wookie checking things out during the first "lot scene".) Watch this movie with a group of friends who know what shows are really like and you'll all be laughing hysterically at the incessent stupidity and obvious flaws that persist throughout this "film". The DVD version is a must in order to get the commentary and other bonus features, and to freeze frame some of the crowd scenes. Many of our criticisms were actually validated by the film makers. Think the crowds look a little sparse?...a little dirty? Think the directors might need more film school? You'll find out all about it. (Why on earth they would admit to some of the things they do?) Then you can watch as the actors suffer through painful interviews about their pathetic characters. No one has the courtesy to ask, "Are you sorry you made this film?"

Average customer rating:

Simon had no choices
Far-out man.
Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see
over the edge for the 21 centurey great film
So bad that it's actually entertaining

Around the Fire
Starring: Devon Sawa , Bill Smitrovich , Tara Reid , Eric Mabius , and Colman Domingo
Director: John Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Ardustry Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 157848300X
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Customer Reviews:

Simon had no choices.......2007-01-14

Far-out man........2005-09-27

Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see.......2004-12-08

over the edge for the 21 centurey great film.......2004-08-03

So bad that it's actually entertaining.......2004-05-04

Average customer rating:

Simon had no choices
Far-out man.
Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see
over the edge for the 21 centurey great film
So bad that it's actually entertaining

Around the Fire, Deluxe Edition
Starring: Devon Sawa , Bill Smitrovich , Tara Reid , Eric Mabius , and Colman Domingo
Director: John Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Ardustry Home Entert
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Boys Club
Extreme Ops
Extreme Dating
Black Circle Boys
Robin of Locksley

ASIN: B0000B1OF2
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

Simon had no choices.......2007-01-14

Far-out man........2005-09-27

Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see.......2004-12-08

over the edge for the 21 centurey great film.......2004-08-03

So bad that it's actually entertaining.......2004-05-04

Average customer rating:

INTERESTING BUT WEAK ENSEMBLE PIECE
Vast, but unrealized, potential.
The Generational Legacy Of Survival

The Substance of Fire
Starring: Tony Goldwyn , Benjamin Ungar , Timothy Hutton , Sarah Jessica Parker , and Tom McDermott
Director: Daniel J. Sullivan (III)
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007K02A
Release Date: 2003-01-04

Description

An acclaimed cast of stars shines in this powerful motion picture! Ron Rifkin (TV's ER, WOLF) plays a headstrong book publisher who refuses to "sell out" by releasing anything commercial ... even when his business partner's son (Tony Goldwyn -- BOUNCE, GHOST, KISS THE GIRLS) discovers a sure-fire best-seller. As the father's stubbornness pushes their company to the brink of bankruptcy, the son must convince his brother and sister (Timothy Hutton -- BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER; Sarah Jessica Parker -- TV's SEX AND THE CITY) to join him in a fight that will save the business ... but may destroy their family! Praised by critics for its unforgettable performances, THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE is extraordinary entertainment!

Customer Reviews:

INTERESTING BUT WEAK ENSEMBLE PIECE.......2006-12-31

I generally like Tony Goldwyn; but in this, he simply fills a role. The rest of the cast is convincing, though unappealing - except for Ron Rifkin as fine book publisher Isaac Geldhart, a survivor of the Holocaust, who is now risking everything to publish an extremely expensive book about this tragedy, much to the chagrin of his profit-conscious son, Aaron (Goldwyn). The rest of his neglected and dysfunctional family are highlighted by Timothy Hutton as his unhealthy, landscape architect son, Martin - the only member who seems genuinely unselfish. Sarah Jessica Parker plays the immature, hedonist daughter Sarah.

While the inside look at the world of book publishing is interesting, it doesn't satisfy enough to offset the uneven plot and totally dislikable characters. Granted, there are some strong performances (Rifkin and Hutton in particular). But who wants to sit for two hours watching excellent actors flesh out totally despicable characters? Only Isaac's secretary seems in any way likable or goodhearted. And the ending is anything but satisfying. One wonders why this excellent cast was wasted on such an unhappy vehicle.

Waitsel Smith

Vast, but unrealized, potential........2006-12-14

The Substance of Fire (Daniel Sullivan, 1996)

The Substance of Fire gives us a fantastic cast and an even better premise, and then does very little with either. This is terribly unfortunate, because done right, this could have been one of filmdom's great moments.

Isaac Geldhart (Ron Rifkin, lately of Pulse) is the head of a small publishing house. His wife has recently died, and he's not handling it well. The press specializes in heavy academic nonfiction, the kind of thing that sells a handful of copies to libraries at best. Isaac's son Aaron (The Last Samurai's Tony Goldwyn), who also works for the company, has recently discovered a writer whose novel, he feels, would be the kind of surefire bestseller that would bring in some revenue and allow the press to go forward with Isaac's pet project, a multi-volume history of the Nazi medical experiments written by Isaac's friend and fellow Camp inmate Louis Foukold (Ronny Graham). Isaac blows up, and as a result, Aaron tries to enlist his siblings Martin (Timothy Hutton) and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) into having Isaac declared mentally incompetent so they can take over and save the business from financial ruin.

The is, obviously, a character-driven story, and to be sure there are characters aplenty. Most of them are correctly cast, and a few give pitch-perfect performances, notably Rifkin and Graham. The problem is that they're shouting into the void; the story keeps trying to go somewhere and keeps getting headed off at the pass. Sullivan is an exceptional stage director (just witness Proof), but not all of us can be David Mamet, making the transition flawlessly. This, unfortunately, but be looked upon as a failed experiment. **

The Generational Legacy Of Survival.......2003-04-06

The Substance Of Fire is a powerful, profoundly upsetting investigation into the effects of the Holocaust on the lives of a present day New York City family. Although decades have elapsed since Isaac Geldhart escaped the persecution and slaughter as a small child, the recent death of his beloved wife triggers an ineluctable slide into willful self-destruction and resultant victimhood. His loss, it would seem, creates the internal conditions for symbolic reenactment of the childhood trauma. His three children, already struggling with the generational effects of having a father who is a survivor, must now cope with the emotional detritus thus created as well as their own grief over their mother's passing. The context for this poignant, intensely disturbing scenario is the publishing house Isaac operates with his eldest son, Aaron. The other two children are passive shareholders in the once lucrative business which is progressively being run into the ground by their father; a man who is increasingly obsessed with taking on authors whose work is mostly esoteric, commercially unviable, and concerned with morbid themes of death and destruction (like the title Water On Fire which is devoted to the Hiroshima Holocaust). As the film begins Isaac has become fixated on bringing to life a financially unpromising four volume study devoted to the Nazi medical experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengles, written by a friend and concentration camp survivor. Not only is Isaac committed to publishing a work which clearly has no market, he is determined to bring it out in a fabulously expensive hand sewn version printed to perfection on the finest paper known to mankind. Aaron, meanwhile, is about to sign an author of a potentially bestselling novel which might have the salutary effect of saving the business from what looks to be certain bankruptcy. Isaac refuses to allow his son to publish what he considers rubbish and the stage is set for a family confrontation that threatens to turn everything upside down in the lives of these four vulnerable, all too sympathetic characters. What ensues is the stuff of great tragedy and pathos. The cast of this wonderfully nuanced, beautifully written film is superb. Timothy Hutton, as the youngest son who already in life has faced the rigors of surviving a potentially fatal disease, turns in a performance that repeatedly pierced my heart. Having been cared for by Isaac during the worst of his illness, he now volunteers to care for his father during his own fall from grace and good health. And both Sarah Jessica Parker and Tony Goldwyn, as they portray Isaac's other children, are sensational. Ron Rifkin as Isaac is the center of gravity of this film, however. He carries the burden of his past as well as an exigent need for atonement with astonishing strength until he ultimately breaks down and begins to spill his suppressed misery into the lives of his children whom he cherishes yet cannot really love. But redemption is never totally out of reach, the film suggests, as ultimately The Substance Of Fire provides the viewer with a shred of hope about the most hopeless of human situations.

DVD:

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