Firestarter

1984
R
1h 54m

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

38K

YOUR RATING

Play trailer2:03

5 Videos

99+ Photos

Action Horror Sci-Fi Thriller

A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic.A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic.A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

38K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 nominations total

Videos5

Clip 2:41

Firestarter

Clip 2:37

Firestarter: Charlene

Featurette 2:10

Firestarter: Mark L. Lester On Transforming The Book Into A Movie

Featurette 2:17

Firestarter: Mark L. Lester And Dick Warlock On The Stunts Of The Film

Photos112

+ 104

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
George C. Scott wears an eye patch over his left eye during the final half hour of the film which was due to the infection caused by the contact lens used earlier in the film. The eye was not quite healed and had to wear it to complete the filming of his scenes.

Goofs
When Charlie is destroying The Shop's mansion you can clearly see where the set was cut so it could destroyed easily. Right after Charlie sends the second fire ball into the house the shot pans up to the balcony where a man is burning. In that shot you can see where the balcony has been set to be destroyed. You can also see the detcord explosives wrapped around the pillars to cause them to break off at predetermined places.

Quotes
Captain Hollister: [referring to Charlie] When we find out all we need to know from her...
John Rainbird: ...when you give her to me.
Captain Hollister: [after a pause] What are you going to do with her?
John Rainbird: John, the friendly orderly, will come in. He will greet her, talk to her, get her to smile... John, the friendly orderly, will make her happy because he's the only one who can. And when John feels she has reached the moment of her greatest happiness, he will strike her across the bridge of the nose, breaking it explosively and sending bone fragments into her brain. It'll be quick. And he'll be looking at her face at the time. He will *know* her power. And when he dies, which I hope is very soon, perhaps he can take that power with him... into the other world.
Captain Hollister: [finishes off his drink and heads for the door] You are crazy!

Crazy credits
[unused disclaimer, written for end titles; ended up on cutting-room floor] FIRESTARTER contains a purely fictional account of a small group of ruthless and corrupt scientific researchers and national-intelligence agents. These characters do not represent the United States government, and it would be erroneous and unfair to suggest that they do. The vast majority of North American intelligence and research personnel have demonstrated the utmost moral sense, regard for civilian welfare, and worthiness of the public trust.

Connections
Featured in At the Movies: Breakin'/Firestarter/Hardbodies/Sugar Cane Alley (1984)

Soundtracks
Crystal Voice
Written by Tangerine Dream
Performed by Tangerine Dream

User reviews157

Review

Featured review

7/10

Young prodigy starts fires in one of the best Stephen King adaptations!

Despite the fact that the films usually revolve around good and interesting stories, film adaptations of Stephen King's works are often not the best horror movies. Firestarter isn't the best known of his books, and that's slightly odd as this film adaptation is one of the best based on his stories. The film takes obvious influence from Brian De Palma's 'The Fury', as aside from the fact that this one is about a young girl that can start fires, and De Palma's film features a boy with psychic abilities; the way that both plots play out is very similar indeed. The plot has a number of problems, and the characters don't always act logically; but this is offset by the likable nature of the film, and characters that are easy to get along with due to their relatively simplistic nature. The film follows the aftermath of an experiment in which people were given an experimental drug. The ultimate result of this experiment was a child born of Andy and Vicky McGee; a child with a unique ability known as 'pyrokinesis' - the ability to start fires at will.

The film benefits from a range of cult stars. A young Drew Barrymore takes the title role, and although her acting skills hadn't been honed by the time this film was released, and she is more than a little bit wooden; she provides an interesting lead. David Keith and Martin Sheen back her up well in supporting roles, but the main acting plaudits go to the great George C. Scott who is good in what is probably the meatiest role of the piece. The running time is a little long for a film like this, but it's well used and the fact that the story doesn't get caught up with needless elements such as the girl's mother and father falling in love is definitely a good thing. The plot is very relaxed for most of the way through, and director Mark L. Lester seems content to just let things play out. That is until the last fifteen minutes; when the plot reaches its full potential and explodes with a fun and exciting finale. The film does feel more than a little bit like a TV movie at times; and the dumbed down techno soundtrack doesn't help this. Overall, the film definitely isn't perfect; but it's an enjoyable watch and King films have definitely been a lot worse!