The Substance of Fire
“Doing What Is Right... Could Cost Him Everything.”
Synopsis
Isaac Geldhart is a Holocaust survivor who, overcome by grief at the recent death of his wife, seems determined to run his publishing firm into the ground by printing books that have no hope of financial success. His son Aaron, who also works at the company, grows frustrated with Isaac's emotional decline and attempts to take over the firm. The resulting crisis involves Isaac's other two children, his daughter Sarah and his dying son Martin.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Substance of Fire Movie Trailer 1996 - Video Spot
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-06-29
Top Cast
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Tony Goldwyn
Aaron Geldhart
Timothy Hutton
Martin Geldhart
Ron Rifkin
Isaac Geldhart
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Geldhart
Lee Grant
Cora Cahn
Elizabeth Franz
Miss Barzakian
Benjamin Ungar
Young Issac
Roger Rees
Max
Viola Davis
Nurse
Adolph Green
Mr. Musselblatt
Debra Monk
Martha Hackett
Tom McDermott
Old Printer
George Morfogen
Otto the Printer
Andrew Pang
Mr. Otani Jr
Edmund Ikeda
Mr. Otani Sr
Gil Bellows
Val Chenard
Eric Bogosian
Gene Byck
Ronny Graham
Louis Foukold
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 14, 1997
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 1, 1998
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Daniel J. Sullivan
- Screenplay & Story
- Jon Robin Baitz
- Original Score
- Joseph Vitarelli
- Original Title
- The Substance of Fire
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Production Studios
- Miramax
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Daniel J. Sullivan
Jon Robin Baitz
Joseph Vitarelli
Robert D. Yeoman
Pamela Martin
Ron Kastner, Jon Robin Baitz, Randy Finch
Department Leadership Roster
Daniel J. Sullivan
Director
Jon Robin Baitz
Screenplay
Pamela Martin
Editor
Ron Kastner
Producer
Jon Robin Baitz
Producer
Randy Finch
Producer
John Lee Beatty
Production Design
Jess Goldstein
Costume Design
Robert D. Yeoman
Director of Photography
Joseph Vitarelli
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Substance of Fire.
Featured In Curated Collections
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1990
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Substance of Fire
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Substance of Fire about?
Isaac Geldhart is a Holocaust survivor who, overcome by grief at the recent death of his wife, seems determined to run his publishing firm into the ground by printing books that have no hope of financial success. His son Aaron, who also works at the company, grows frustrated with Isaac's emotional decline and attempts to take over the firm. The resulting crisis involves Isaac's other two children, his daughter Sarah and his dying son Martin.
Who directed The Substance of Fire?
The Substance of Fire was directed by Daniel J. Sullivan.
Who stars in The Substance of Fire?
The principal cast of The Substance of Fire includes Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Hutton, Ron Rifkin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lee Grant.
When was The Substance of Fire released and how long is it?
The Substance of Fire was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.
Who composed the musical score for The Substance of Fire?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Substance of Fire was composed by Joseph Vitarelli.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Substance of Fire?
The Substance of Fire holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).