Point of Origin

Serial arson is haphazardly dramatized in Point of Origin, a fact-based HBO production that's more flashy than effective. A respected cinematographer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) making his directorial debut, Newton Thomas Sigel turns this pyrotechnic mystery into a showcase for rampant visual trickery, employing digital effects, various film speeds, and Hong Kong-like stunt fantasies to the outbreak of arson in Glendale, California, in 1987. Ray Liotta plays the arson investigator whose behavior draws the suspicion of his colleagues, but his guilt or innocence (and a really obvious make-up disguise) take a back seat to Sigel's visual treatment of fire, which borders on fetishism as it runs forward and backward in time. The effects are undeniably fascinating, suggesting the scary possibility that real arsonists might find this film inspiring. Obviously that's not Sigel's intention, but he's too busy showing off to fulfill the story's untapped potential. Product details Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1 Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No MPAA rating : s_medR R (Restricted) Product Dimensions : 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 4 Ounces Item model number : 026359189623 Director : Newton Thomas Sigel Media Format : Multiple Formats, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Widescreen Run time : 1 hour and 26 minutes Release date : May 20, 2003 Actors : Ray Liotta, John Leguizamo, Colm Feore, Cliff Curtis, Bai Ling Dubbed: : Spanish Producers : Fred C. Caruso, John Herzfeld, Keri Selig Language : Unqualified (DTS ES 6.1) Studio : Hbo Home Video