The Fireworks Woman

The Fireworks Woman (1975)

*** (out of 4)

Angela (Jennifer Jordan) has a sexual crush on her brother Peter (Eric Edwards) but he's not interested in her advances for a number of reasons including the fact that he wants to become a Priest. He goes off to school when his sister Angela pretty much has a breakdown from missing him and finds herself getting into some dangerous sexual situations.

If you look up Wes Craven's filmmography you'll find this film sandwiched between THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and THE HILLS HAVE EYES. Craven had a hand in making several porno movies but this here is the only one where we know he is credited as the writer and director. Abe Snake was the fake name used by Craven but it would be impossible for him to deny this film because he also serves as an actor here. So, is this a good film? I would say that it is and it perfectly fits in with the "mainstream" porn idea of this era, which meant that a hardcore movie could take on an adult subject and handle it in a serious way.

If you've read interviews with Craven he often talks about his religious beliefs and the confusion he had at the point he was making THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. It's rather interesting watching this movie because there's a lot of discussion about religion as the two main characters have to ask their moral questions while at the same time breaching a taboo subject. The entire brother-sister thing is pretty much downplayed but the film certainly tackles the subject of what the church bans and the sexual confusion that can happen among people. Craven really builds a terrific atmosphere here especially as the Angela character begins to lose control and her mind begins to play tricks through her sexual fantasies.

While the film is erotic at times and the porn segments are well-shot, there's a rape sequence here that will be of interest to fans of the director. Considering the brutal rape scene in THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, the director manages to go even further and in some ways be more brutal. With an interesting shot of a penis being a weapon will have you flashing back to the controversial debut of Craven. There's quite a bit going on in THE FIREWORKS WOMAN and it's something fans of the director are going to want to see. It certainly doesn't hurt that Jordan gives a very good performance and helps pull off the character.