White Lightnin' (2009) Review

Werner Herzog is a believer in what he calls ‘ecstatic truth’, meaning one can fictionalise aspects of reality, in order to reach a deeper, more transcendent level of truth, going beyond 100% factual accuracy. Director Dominic Murphy seems to embrace this idea, considering his debut feature ‘White Lightnin.’ Based on the life of notorious Mountain Dancer Jesco White, who has been the subject of numerous documentaries (notably Jacob Young’s ‘Dancing Outlaw’ and Julien Nitzberg’s ‘The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia’), Murphy’s film is not a traditional biopic.

It does not accurately retell White’s story, though captures the essence of the man. An absorbing watch, it follows White through his tumultuous childhood years, his time in an asylum and violent life in the Appalachian Mountains. A brilliant dancer, Murphy’s White is driven by revenge, while battling drug addiction and psychosis.

Gritty and intense, the film paints a stark picture of addiction and poverty, casting a light over the dark side of life. It is unremitting in its depiction of the harsh realities faced by those living on the fringes of society. The unfiltered portrayal of White’s struggles with substance abuse and mental illness is both harrowing and poignant. Furthermore, Murphy’s version of the Deep South is a grimy place, teeming with violence and despair.

However, despite its bleakness, the film’s authenticity and emotional depth makes for a compelling narrative. Murphy, Eddy Moretti and Shane Smith’s screenplay is well crafted, blending raw dialogue with moments of unexpected tenderness. The script delves deep into the psyche of White, offering a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond mere caricature. Like Herzog, they reach a level of ecstatic truth; their fiction revealing a reality that transcends mere factual accuracy.

Murphy and cinematographer Tim Maurice-Jones utilise a muted colour pallet, emphasising the grimness of the narrative. The desaturated hues mirror the bleakness of White’s existence, creating a visual metaphor for his internal struggles. This visual style, combined with the film’s rough, unflinching storytelling, immerses one in a world where hope is a rare commodity. Moreover, during violent and drug fuelled moments, the cinematography becomes frenetic and disorienting.

In these moments, the camera work mirrors the chaos and instability of White’s mind, with rapid cuts and shaky movements heightening the sense of urgency and confusion. This technique makes the scenes of violence and addiction all the more visceral. Further, Ivo Husnjak’s grubby production design brings to life Murphy’s version of Appalachia, in all its filthy glory. Nick Zinner’s score- and the eclectic soundtrack- complements the film’s gritty aesthetic perfectly. The music ranges from hauntingly atmospheric to jarringly intense, reflecting the tumultuous journey of Jesco White.

Edward Hogg stars as White, delivering a startlingly intense performance marked by a raw energy. He captures White’s inner turmoil and descent into madness devastatingly, particularly through his physicality in the dance sequences. Hogg excels not only in intense, emotional scenes but also in quieter, introspective moments, offering glimpses of White’s vulnerability. His nuanced portrayal allows one to empathize with White, despite his violent, erratic behaviour.

Carrie Fisher co-stars as Cilla, White’s girlfriend, bringing a grounded presence to the film. Fisher’s performance adds depth to the narrative, providing a counterbalance to White’s chaotic life. Her portrayal of Cilla is both tender and resilient, capturing the complexities of loving someone as troubled as Jesco White.

Moreover, Owen Campbell, as the younger White, gives a strong performance, setting the stage for the character’s later turmoil. Muse Watson brings a powerful presence to the role of D. Ray White, Jesco’s father, the legendary mountain dancer. His portrayal adds depth to the father-son dynamic, highlighting the influence D. Ray had on Jesco’s life. Additionally, Kirk Bovill is perfect as the seedy character Long; his performance adding to the film’s tension and atmosphere.

In short, Dominic Murphy’s ‘White Lightnin’ may not accurately retell the life of Jesco White, but in capturing the essence of the man, is a captivating story of violence and addiction. Well-written and featuring striking cinematography, it is an affecting piece of work. Star Edward Hogg delivers an intense performance, while Carrie Fisher is similarly good. It is well worth a watch, and an electrifying example of ecstatic truth.