White Lightning is a very enjoyable, Southern gothic, gritty film. Set and filmed in Arkansas, Burt Reynolds plays Gator, an ex con turned "stool pigeon " in order to implicate and bust corrupt Bogan County sheriff JC Connors played by Ned Beatty.
There is a host of strong Southern actors who play supporting roles and lend credibility to the story. Burt Reynolds is very likable and dynamic and I really enjoy when he plays a serious and dramatic role. Bo Hopkins and RG Armstrong give strong support, but for me beyond Reynolds, Ned Beatty as the corrupt sheriff Connors, is outstanding. I am from a small Southern town and there is a "good ole boy" persona to law enforcement in such places, and right off Beatty captures this essence perfectly. I am not suggesting all cops are corrupt, but commenting on the feel of the office in such small towns.
Without giving away too much there is a great car chase and a poetic conclusion to the movie. I happened to see Gator before seeing White Lightning and I much prefer White Lightning. There's a serious tone to the movie and it's also a great revenge flick. Definitely suggest watching if you haven't already.
There is a host of strong Southern actors who play supporting roles and lend credibility to the story. Burt Reynolds is very likable and dynamic and I really enjoy when he plays a serious and dramatic role. Bo Hopkins and RG Armstrong give strong support, but for me beyond Reynolds, Ned Beatty as the corrupt sheriff Connors, is outstanding. I am from a small Southern town and there is a "good ole boy" persona to law enforcement in such places, and right off Beatty captures this essence perfectly. I am not suggesting all cops are corrupt, but commenting on the feel of the office in such small towns.
Without giving away too much there is a great car chase and a poetic conclusion to the movie. I happened to see Gator before seeing White Lightning and I much prefer White Lightning. There's a serious tone to the movie and it's also a great revenge flick. Definitely suggest watching if you haven't already.