On W List of Movie Reviews

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White Lightning (1973)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 5/26

5/26: The precursor to Smokey and the Bandit?

White Lightning has a lot in common. Best of all, it's a through and through redneck picture, having been fully shot on location in Arkansas. I can tell by the sweat on everybody. The language is authentic, and the car chases are fantastic. Sometimes, I'm reminded of Thunder Road, but this one is better.

When the material comes together very well, Burt Reynolds is so good that things are happening. Smokey and the Bandit is obviously another example of what I mean. As for the story, I can feel the Southern Gothic traits due to the serious tone. The cinematography, especially the darkness, by Edward Rosson is also incredible.

The supporting cast is outstanding. Ned Beatty is a revelation as the corrupt Sheriff J.C. Connors. Bo Hopkins is just like Jerry Reed. Jennifer Billingsley has the dialect down cold. When Burt Reynolds visits the mechanic's house, the girl swinging on a tire in the front yard is six-year-old Laura Dern in her screen debut.

All in all, Burt Reynolds got it right when he described White Lightning as "the beginning of a whole series of films made in the South, about the South, and for the South."

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