POWDER


US, 1995, 111 minutes, Colour.
Sean Patrick Flanery, Mary Steenburgen, Lance Henrikson, Jeff Goldblum, Brandon Smith, Susan Tyrrell, Ray Wise.
Directed by Victor Salva.

Powder works on several levels. It is the story of a boy with a physical handicap who is mocked by his fellows and forced to live in an institution from which he finally escapes. It is the story of a prodigy who is an intellectual genius, capable of reading the inner thoughts of people and able to heal them and bring them back to life. It is a parable to teach us that some individuals have powers beyond those we can imagine. They are accepted by some people, rejected by others. They do good but are not understood. They are feared.

The teacher, played by Jeff Goldblum, discusses a quotation from Einstein with Jeremy Read, Powder: that our technology has surpassed our humanity. He hopes that the day will come when our humanity will surpass our technology. While the movie suggests a physical explanation to Powder's abilities, focussing on electricity, energy and the commands of the brain, it leaves open more mysterious, more mystical, perhaps more supernatural explanations. Audiences familiar with the Gospel stories will have no difficulty in seeing the parallels that the screenplay draws between Powder's life and that of Jesus. It takes us from his strange birth through his hidden life, his acceptance and rejection, a passion and his literal ascension into the heavens.

Two years later, Jon Turteltaub's Phenomenon dealt with similar themes in the character played by John Travolta who is transformed for a short time into a genius and a saviour.

Powder is played with dignity by Sean Patrick Flanery who was to appear in many films including Simply Irresistable and The Suicide Kings. Director Victor Salva had a personally checkered career. In 2001, he made the horror thriller, Jeepers Creepers.

1. The title? Suggestive? The nickname for Jeremy Reed?

2. A piece of Americana? The Texas settings? The farms, the towns, school, homes, sheriff’s offices, ordinary atmosphere? The musical score?

3. Jeremy’s story, his pregnant mother, lightning, the electromagnetic force, the physical transformation, albino, unable to grow hair, the personal transformation, powers, insights, vision, healing?

4. At work on the farm, his mother’s death, the reaction of his father, brought up by his grandparents, never going out? Education through books? His grandfather’s death? Coming to the attention of the authorities?

5. Jessie Caldwell, her professional role, concern about Jeremy, taking him to the home? Ward of the State?

6. Enrolment in school, Donald as his physics teacher, friendship, encouragement, Donald learning of Jeremy’s powers? The reaction of the students, curiosity, mockery, bullying?

7. The antagonism by John Box, the gun, threats, the noise of the shot, Harley Duncan and his shooting the deer? The aftermath, Harley and his not breathing, Jeremy and his action, Harley experiencing the pain in the death of the deer? Repercussions for Harley, clearing out the guns? The sheriff keeping him on as deputy, but without firearms?

8. The sheriff, his concern, asking Jeremy’s help, telepathy, the sheriff and his ill wife, not able to communicate,, Jeremy communicating the message, wanting to die with her ring, but reconciliation between father and son?

9. Lindsey, the response to Jeremy, the possibilities of a relationship, her father’s intervention? His explanations to Lindsey about his powers, the interconnectedness of everything?

10. Going to run away, trapped by John Box, his watching the boys in the shower, accused of homosexuality? The boy stripping Jeremy and taunting him?

11. The eruptive response, the effect on the boys’ clothes, on themselves, the large spherical electromagnetic pulse, consuming them all? John Box motionless, Jeremy reviving him?

12. Jeremy running away, Jessie, Donald and Doug coming to find him, urging him to come and be with them, to protect him from people? HIs running into the field, struck by
lightning, his disappearing in the light?

13. A figure of goodness – and the parallels with other historical characters who did good, comparisons with Jesus?