White Lightnin

Okay, a couple of years ago (2009) I may have mentioned a new film that Carrie Fisher was in called "White Lightnin'." I'm an uber-Carrie fan so I do try to keep up with her film career. I mean, what kind of poser would I be if I didn't at least attempt to see every film she has made? Right? And, I've sat through some... films... just for a thirty second cameo by Carrie. Anyone else remember "Scream 3?" I don't, except for the fact that Carrie is in it and her cameo got the biggest reaction when I saw it in the theater.

Well, after hearing about this film, I looked for it everywhere with no luck. I had given up it would ever be out on DVD (to rent from Netflix) so I just kept my eyes open for any opportunity. About two weeks ago, the Sundance Film Channel aired this film, a "based on a true story" tale about a mountain tap dancer named Jesco White (played by British actor Edward Hogg). I couldn't believe it but I sat down to watch.

This film is not an easy film to watch. It is extremely violent and graphic. Jesco White--as portrayed in the film--is a huffing, violent maniac who seems to find peace only when he dances. Carrie plays "Cilla," an older, married woman who leaves her family to be with Jesco. (When he first meets her, he says she looks like a movie star and decides that since he thinks of himself as Elvis, she will be his Priscilla, hence the nickname "Cilla.")

What shocked me about this film is that there are two--TWO!!--sex scenes involving Jesco and Cilla. Three, if you count the fully-clothed "I just ate a hot chili pepper, let me blow you" scene. Why? Well, I guess I am just not used to seeing Carrie in sex scenes. She's never done one prior to this. Not even close, really. She's stripped down to her undies a few times but there has never been anything simulating mid-coitus.

Am I a prude? Not really. I was just surprised. My sister came home right before the first scene and when she saw what was going on, I told her that I have now been "traumatized." An over-exaggeration, of course, but it was surprising. I would love to ask Carrie what drew her to this film and what made her go ahead with these scenes? Not that I have any issues with Carrie as a sexual being because we all are sexual beings. I just thought that Carrie preferred to keep that part of her being private.

(and no, you don't really see anything... sorry, boys.)

What's really interesting to me is that if one reads the reviews for this film, they are either enthusiastic and positive or disgusted and negative. Carrie got some great reviews for her participation, too.

My overall thoughts on the film are that it is a dark story. It's also shot in a campy, cheap documentary style, in black & white, and very choppy. But I was impressed with Edward Hogg and his uninhibited performance. Carrie always impresses me. The film is not for the squeamish nor is it a happy story with a happy ending. There are scenes of extreme violence, suggested rape, drug abuse, self-mutilation, and frightening scenes inside a mental hospital.

I probably won't be getting this film on DVD. I still hold out hopes for "Sunday Drive."