Powder (1995)

An off the charts genius who is home schooled and shunned after his last relative dies shows the unconscious residents of his town about connection awareness and the generosity of the spirit.

Director:

Victor Salva

Writer:

Victor Salva

Stars:

Mary Steenburgen, Sean Patrick Flanery, Lance Henriksen

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mary Steenburgen	...	Jessie Caldwell
Sean Patrick Flanery	...	Jeremy 'Powder' Reed
Lance Henriksen	...	Sheriff Doug Barnum
Jeff Goldblum	...	Donald Ripley
Brandon Smith	...	Deputy Harley Duncan
Bradford Tatum	...	John Box
Susan Tyrrell	...	Maxine
Missy Crider	...	Lindsey Kelloway
Ray Wise	...	Dr. Aaron Stripler
Esteban Powell	...	Mitch
Reed Frerichs	...	Skye
Chad Cox	...	Zane
Joe Marchman	...	Brennan
Philip Maurice Hayes	...	Greg Reed (as Phillip Maurice Hayes)
Danette McMahon	...	Emma Barnum

Storyline

When sheriff Barnum investigates the death of an elderly rural resident, he discovers a teenage grandson living in the basement. Raised by his grandparents, he has experienced the world only through books, never leaving the family farm. He is sent to a state home for boys where he has trouble fitting in socially. His odd appearance and unusual abilities cause the small town residents to fear and ridicule him. However, not all are afraid. Some begin to view his potential and gifts with wonderment.

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Plot Keywords:

albino | electricity | loneliness | bully | spoon | 

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Taglines:

An extraordinary encounter with another human being!

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense, sometimes frightening elements of theme, and for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nathan Forrest Winters, who was the star of Victor Salva's Clownhouse (1990) and his abuse victim, protested the film's theatrical release.

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Goofs

At a park bench we can see Powder's left hand under the table which appears normal, not albino.

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Quotes

Lindsey: Your father. Your father hurt you a long time ago. You're so sad, he made you so sad. He thought you were ugly, and he kept saying that you weren't... I'm sorry.
Powder: Do you? Do you?
Lindsey: Do I what?
Powder: Do you think I'm ugly?
Lindsey: I don't know what I think when I look at you. But sometimes I think, I think you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

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Connections

Referenced in Snatched (2017)

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Soundtracks

ROLL UP WALTZ
Written by Andrew J. Hall
Courtesy of Associated Production Music

User Reviews

Brilliant.

Many positive superlatives could not express the brilliance of this film. It astounds me that given the rather un-original state Hollywood has been in since 1980 (and continues to be in with the blatant and dull John Travolta rip-off of Phenomenon in 1996) that such a wonderful film was given the green light. It is always a rarity to see this type of masterpiece hit the screen... and a pleasure too. There was much controversy surrounding this film upon its initial release... mostly of the kind that had nothing to do with the actual movie. To that I can only say one thing... it takes more then one person to make a movie! Get over it. Besides the clever, thought provoking, tender, respectful and intelligent script penned by Victor Salva, he also does a top-notch job in the direction. I loved this movie, I own this movie and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Powder

Filming Locations:

Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$9,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,146,973, 29 October 1995

Gross USA:

$30,862,156

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,862,156

Company Credits

Production Co:

Caravan Pictures, Daniel Grodnik Productions, Hollywood Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1