Have all of my favorite film directors directed porn? Ed Wood, Jr. certainly did! One could argue that Andy Milligan did with the uncut version of FLESHPOT ON 42nd STREET because of at least two very real sex scenes. Even John Waters admits that one uncomfortably memorable scene in PINK FLAMINGOS is a satirical take on DEEP THROAT. Oh, and while Roger Ebert made it abundantly clear that Russ Meyer did NOT direct porn, I argue that his manically unhinged UP! (1976) is at least porn-adjacent. (I really need to review that piece of celluloid craziness.)
So, I guess it’s not a surprise that before Wes Craven gave us A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, he inverted and exploded the concept of adult cinema with THE FIREWORKS WOMAN (aka The Fireworks Man, which makes more sense as the title.)
SPOILER ALERT
Peter gets advice from the Monseigneur and throws a church banquet. Angela gets advice from Nicolas Burns (The Fireworks Man) and invites the congregation to an orgy at the same time as the banquet. Guess which party the so-called faithful attend! Nicolas then tricks Peter into coming to the orgy, forcing the priest into a decision. Peter leaves a note for the Monseigneur and then brazenly enters the orgy, scoops up Angela and carries her to a boat. Then brother and sister sail away, living happily ever after…or do they? The Monseigneur rushes to the beach to stop the ungodly lovers, but it’s too late. As he turns away, the disciple of God disappears as Nicolas Burns (the disciple of Satan?) appears, turning towards the faraway boat. What does this mean for Angela and Peter? Does it mean the Monseigneur and The Fireworks Man are just flip sides of the same coin? Unfortunately, Wes Craven never publicly spoke of this film in detail, so, like the end of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, it’s left to interpretation. However, according to a blu-ray bonus feature, the original script ends with the boat washing ashore somewhere without Peter and Angela on it. Even that ending would’ve been enigmatic. 
THE FIREWORKS WOMAN is definitely written and directed by Wes Craven. His mark is on the haunting visuals, the unsettling/shocking story and he even portrays Nicolas Burns. The director, who does not appear in the sex scenes, seems very comfortable in front of the camera and appears to be having fun sowing the seeds of chaos as The Fireworks Man. As for the other actors, they share that natural 1970’s acting vibe. Jennifer Jordan as Angela and Eric Edwards as Peter are believable as the tormented siblings.
SIDE NOTE: Eric Edwards is no stranger to this blog. He appeared as the rich guy with the priceless broach and manipulative aunt in the uproarious BLONDE AMBITION (1981).
SIDE NOTE: Eric Edwards is no stranger to this blog. He appeared as the rich guy with the priceless broach and manipulative aunt in the uproarious BLONDE AMBITION (1981).
When I noticed Melusine was offering this most obscure Wes Craven film, I didn’t think twice about it. THE FIREWORKS WOMAN is a disturbing study of emotional trauma and forbidden love. No, it’s not quite on par with Wes Craven’s other films, but it’s an intriguing celluloid stepping stone on his way to creating Freddy Krueger. So, if you’re a Craven completist or a truly adventurous film freak, THE FIREWORKS WOMAN is the film for you! Be warned though, there is a very brief scene at the orgy between a fisherman and his catch of the day that you will never unsee!
Freak Out,
JLH
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Dare to enter the fantasies of my deranged mind in 2026…
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