First I will admit that this movie is coming on as I sit here writing. I have, however, read both Joseph Wambaugh's book, Fire Lover, and John Orr's book, Point of Origin.Point of Origin is a fact-based work of fiction by a firefighter in Southern California. Joseph Wambaugh's book describes him as a wanna-be police officer. (This is based on public records). Several of the fires that occur in Point of Origin are real fires that were set by John Orr. As determined by different juries.The reason that the "witnesses see" this other man and believe him to be responsible for the fires is because of the time-delay devices that were used in setting the fires. These fires were actually set 15-30 minutes before they broke into flames and discovered. Witnesses were questioned about people in the area immediately prior to the breakout of the fires. The particular types of incendiary devices used are destroyed by either the fire or the extinguishing process.5 minutes into the movie and the only difference I see between the books and the movie is that the child in the opening scene, with the ice cream cone and his grandmother, (both were killed in the Ole's Home Repair Store fire).In real life he was only about 3 years old.For the best version with all details, please see Fire Lover.

Reviewer: Edward M. Smith from Glen Burnie, md United States I knew absolutely nothing about this story before seeing the movie. The film began and when it said that it was based off true events, I almost turned it off. What caught my attention was the visual portrayer of the arson investigation... after that it was the story and the performances of the actors themselves. Ray Liotta stars as arson investigator John Orr. He, along with John Leguizamo, are trying to figure out who is starting all these arson-based fires. John Orr is well regarded as the chief arson inspector and if anyone can find out, he can. So the film plays out like a cat and mouse game. You are trying to figure out what is motivating the person who is setting these fires. What makes the story a bit more compelling is that, during the 90's, at least three firefighters were arrested for arson. After watching the DVD, I found myself going over the film again. I figured, since it was based on a true story the DVD would have some interesting extras. I was disappointed, therefore could not give it a 5. Nevertheless I did find the story fascinating.

Well the IMDB crowd didn't seem to think much of it but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel that in many ways this HBO production based on a stranger-than-fiction arson investigation is the best that small screen productions can be. However, beware aspiring filmmakers, it doesn't follow the classic Sid Field story arc.The movie was directed by one of the finest cinematographers in recent times; just check his IMDB profile-- http://us.imdb.com/Name?Sigel,+Newton+Thomas. I look forward to seeing his future works.If the story catches your interest, you might want to track down a NOVA special entitled "Hunt for the Serial Arsonist", and compare the screenplay to the facts of the case including interviews with investigator John Orr.

Very unique! I liked the idea of the main charachter writing a book about the true events. Obviously he was slightly PSHYCO....(Ray Liotta was of course awesome in this part) It held my interest to the very end. The two young actors that played his daughter and her boyfriend were very good. One of HBO's better flicks.