MovieChat Forums > Powder (1995) Discussion > The major thing a lot of people seem to ...

The major thing a lot of people seem to miss....

posted 12 years ago by chriscaulder
17 replies | jump to latest

When people are knocking on this film and being hateful and homophobic about it (and the main character), they need to realize something...

To be that hateful, homophobic, and/or ignorant (because of fear) is not the path to becoming a better person, or making the world a better place.

All Jeremy was trying to do was be a peaceful, interesting person.

Here are the examples:

1. He showed in the beginning that he was able to memorize all the books in the basement library, because he loved to read and had the capacity to memorize the book contents. It wasn't him showing off. It was just a fact.

2. When he was in the cafeteria, refusing to put the spoon on his nose (or sticking it up his rear, as was requested by John, the bully), he instead balanced the spoon on the table, and magnetically added the other spoons to create a sculpture. This was a harmless act, and Jeremy was trying to make the rest of the kids smile, or appreciate that he had the power of telekinesis. You can even see Jeremy smile after building the sculpture and knocking it down with the last spoon... he was smiling because he was probably hoping that the kids would applaud or at least appreciate that he had a gift.

No one laughed, no one smiled, and no one appreciated it, because they couldn't understand it. They feared him, and in turn, he became embarrassed.

3. The deer scene... he wasn't trying to hurt John or the belligerent sheriff (or deputy, whatever he was). He was merely showing them all that hunting isn't just a sport... these animals had a heart and brain, and they were in tremendous pain, dying slowly from a shotgun wound. He was just trying to let these people know that what they're doing isn't right. And he achieved his goal, when the hunter completely quit hunting, and then later explained why.

4. When Jeremy was at the town fair with the beautiful redhead... he obviously liked her, and she liked him (probably because he was different, and had a beautiful soul... he was completely kind-hearted to the core, gentle to a fault, and she loved that). When he was showing her that just by holding her hand, they could feel this beautiful connection (unexplained as it was, but most of us who have been lucky enough to experience a connection with a guy or girl that we really like or have a crush on, know this exact feeling)... the fact that Jeremy could show her this, and have her feel wonderful (probably better than she had ever felt in her life), that was a life-altering experience, or moment. He was changing her for the better, even though she wasn't a bad person to begin with (but her father sure was).

5. And lastly, when Jeremy was at the sheriff's wife's bedside... able to communicate FOR her, while she was basically in a coma... and letting her husband know that she loved him, and knew that he loved her (despite his tough exterior)... and he was also able to reunite the sheriff's estranged son because the wife WANTED and NEEDED him to (so she could finally die in peace)..... that was amazing. Jeremy was able to convince the sheriff that he wasn't just "some freak"... he was a gift, from somewhere, and there was a reason that he came around. He needed to touch the sheriff's life. He did, and greatly.

That's the thing with the movie... you have to understand that just because we don't understand something, that doesn't mean it's harmful to us, or something that endangers our lives. It's just something new we need to try to understand and appreciate.

Jeremy was able to touch several people through his brief time on earth... and he made them ALL better people.

We need to make ourselves better, and spread love as far as we can, as powerfully as we can. That is the essence of life... to share, to love, to be as good as we can.

And I am not some religious nutcase. I am just a regular guy in my 30s, from the Philly area who writes music, loves movies, and tries to be the best person I can possibly be (open-minded, open-hearted, communicative, passionate, understanding, and loving).

I hope that all of you can watch the movie again and see it in a better light. It is truly a beautiful film, with a deep and caring undertone.

Thanks,
Chris Caulder

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http://chriscaulder.net
http://youtube.com/chriscauldermusic

"Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car."

[–] chiluvr1228 12 years ago

I loved this movie. I even sent a clip of the deer scene to someone I know who hunts. Unfortunately, it didn't stop him.

"Let's not ask for the moon, we have the stars".

[–] chriscaulder 11 years ago

I loved this movie. I even sent a clip of the deer scene to someone I know who hunts. Unfortunately, it didn't stop him.

Ah, drag... well, you tried. Glad you love the movie as much as I.

"Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car. What the F--K is going on!?"

[–] goleafsgo27 11 years ago

I don't eat 4-legged creatures, have never shot a gun, dislike the practice of "sport" or "trophy" hunting, but have no problem with subsistence food hunters. For whatever that might be worth.

I have seen enough to know I have seen too much. -- ALOTO

[–] neonaoki1 9 years ago

...What do 4-legged creatures have that 2-legged ones don't?
That's some arbitrarily selective empathy.

(uselessly expanding:)
Surely the kid, as the most intelligent person in history, would know that we can live without using/harming animals, and extend his empathy to all sentient beings (see: the scene with the "mean" dog and the scene with the wild lizards).

It was "subtle" (for people not familiar with it), and probably not fully intended, but that's a vegan message if I've ever seen one (rejecting animal exploitation because it's not needed and hurts them, like hunting). I like to imagine the kid thinking "minimal suffering, my ass" in the deer scene.

OP was right, hate (by extension, violence, by more extension, towards all sentient beings) isn't the way to becoming better people. Selective empathy only benefits the ego of the person exercising it.

[–] Brklyncandy 12 years ago

chriscaulder, that was beautifully written. I just seen this movie for the first time and you explained it perfectly. I love this movie and am going to enjoy watching it with my children.

[–] chriscaulder 11 years ago

chriscaulder, that was beautifully written. I just seen this movie for the first time and you explained it perfectly. I love this movie and am going to enjoy watching it with my children.

No problem. I am glad you enjoyed the film and will watch it with your children. :)

[–] spectreagent 12 years ago

I have to agree with you, Chris on this one. Despite my initial reluctance on seeing this film because of the controversy surrounding the director (and having corresponding with Nathan Winters on the subject, since we're both victims of being sexually molested by an older person), the film is indeed very underrated, and should be seen in the light that you very-well presented. Flannery gave quite a performance, which I can identify with (Someone who is perceived different and treated as such)....

[–] chriscaulder 11 years ago

I have to agree with you, Chris on this one. Despite my initial reluctance on seeing this film because of the controversy surrounding the director (and having corresponding with Nathan Winters on the subject, since we're both victims of being sexually molested by an older person), the film is indeed very underrated, and should be seen in the light that you very-well presented. Flannery gave quite a performance, which I can identify with (Someone who is perceived different and treated as such)....

Great quote from The United States of Leland--

"You don’t judge a writer by his life. You judge him by his work. There’s a different moral standard going on, here". It's when Gosling's character is talking ill of his father, to Don Cheadle... Gosling is basically saying his father is despicable, etc.

Truth be told, I was molested when I was 9 or 10 by a neighborhood creep who wanted to give me a "tour of his boat" (it was on a platform in his yard). Back in the mid 80s, nothing was done about it. It was like "oh, that happened. What's for dinner?" The guy never went to jail, even though I filed a police report immediately, after telling my mom.

So yeah, while Salva has made some ill choices in his life (without a doubt), he made two brilliant films... this, and Peaceful Warrior, which is another one of my favorites (even though Salva didn't write the story- it's based on the book Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman)... still, great film.

Glad you enjoyed Powder. Be sure to share it with loved ones, and especially those who may be of closed mind.

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"Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car. What the F--K is going on!?"

[–] cynthiad 11 years ago

I applaud your post, Chris - though you may never see this - your post is 10 years old. I just finished reading a criticism of this movie on another site and for whatever flaws this movie had, real or imagined, the message is powerful! It is the only movie ever that makes me cry every single time - not from sadness, but for the depth of what it is saying about humankind.

I've watched the movie with several male acquaintances over the years. One said I was "too emotional." Really? No, I realized later just too emotion FOR YOU. :)

Later, another confusedly asked me at the end "why are you crying..." I fumbled to answer and suddenly pulled myself together and asked..."wait, why aren't you crying?"

[–] chriscaulder 11 years ago

Not 10 years, just about a year. :)

Thank you for your kind words and appreciation of this film.

I'm watching this again as it's on cable... so I came back to the boards to see if anyone was saying anything hateful or making fun of the film... of course, there's some ignorant and fearful posts, but thankfully, there are just as many (if not more) open-minded and open-hearted ones.

I'd like to add that this should be required viewing for guys like the John character in the film. God, I wish John wasn't such a jerk... there are soooo many guys like him in the world.... too many.

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http://chriscaulder.net
http://youtube.com/chriscauldermusic

"Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car.
What the F--K is going on!?"

[–] sackmaster_81 11 years ago

Great post Chris.

Later, another confusedly asked me at the end "why are you crying..." I fumbled to answer and suddenly pulled myself together and asked..."wait, why aren't you crying?"

Indeed. This movie is very touching and I would feel disapointed in those who questioned my emotion... but I would understand that I too at one point might not have appreciated this movie, or would have been too afraid to appreciate it.

"You've Got to Keep Your Mind Wide Open" - AnnaSophia Robb

myspace.com/original916

[–] requiempoet 11 years ago

Indeed. Well said. Sadly the movie was overshadowed by the controversy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

" What in the Bio hazardous material is this?"

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] chriscaulder 11 years ago

robynari - that's ok. You're entitled to your opinion. Maybe you'll see it again in a few years, with different life experiences and/or a different outlook, and you may enjoy it.

About the plot-- basically, the story is, Jeremy, a hermit most of his life, is discovered after his grandparents die, and he is forced into public school and the public eye as a high school student... during this time, he is able to emotionally touch several people, and makes everyone he touches think differently about life, energy, love, emotions, and fear. Simple plot, indeed.. but a powerful one. It's movies like this that move people emotionally and/or offer them a new perspective, unlike films like Transformers 3.

Crude? I'd love for you to cite examples of crude behavior in the film (other than from the people who didn't understand/accept him or refused to want to).

But again, you're entitled to your opinion. I hope you give the film another chance later in life.

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"Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car. What the F--K is going on!?"

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] beecee101 10 years ago

Cool post. As for the hunting thing followed up by many, I am a hunter. Mostly dove/quail and turkey. Been on a few deer hunts... I love me some venison. I totally love sci-fi and fantasy movies. The deer scene was awesome. Love the scene from Starman also. I do have an imagination and love movies like this. Things are not so cut and clear. I hate when people assume things about others.

Awesome movie. Thanks to Chris

[–] casak36 8 years ago

They aren't missing the theme. They see it.

They just choose to not care.