The Substance of Fire
1996, English. Directed by Daniel J. Sullivan.
Doing What Is Right... Could Cost Him Everything.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
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Where to watch The Substance of Fire
The Substance of Fire isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Daniel J. SullivanDirector
- Tony GoldwynAaron Geldhart
- Timothy HuttonMartin Geldhart
- Ron RifkinIsaac Geldhart
- Sarah Jessica ParkerSarah Geldhart
- Lee GrantCora Cahn
- Elizabeth FranzMiss Barzakian
- Benjamin UngarYoung Issac
- Roger ReesMax
- Viola DavisNurse
- Adolph GreenMr. Musselblatt
- Debra MonkMartha Hackett
- Tom McDermottOld Printer
Details
- Released
- 11 September 1996
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Jon Robin Baitz
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News & fan talk
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The Substance of Fire: quick answers
Is The Substance of Fire worth watching?
The Substance of Fire doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Substance of Fire?
The Substance of Fire runs 102 minutes (1h 42m).
Does The Substance of Fire have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Substance of Fire. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Substance of Fire parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Substance of Fire is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Substance of Fire on?
The Substance of Fire isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Substance of Fire?
If you liked The Substance of Fire, try The Nest, Adam, Holy Lands.
Who directed The Substance of Fire?
The Substance of Fire (1996) was directed by Daniel J. Sullivan and stars Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Hutton, Ron Rifkin.