What I Think About Movies I've Seen

This movie is a dramatic representation of the true story of the life of Jesco White (played by Edward Hogg), a man with a history of mental and behavioral problems. Set in the heart of West Virginia redneck country, Jesco's troubles first began when he started huffing gasoline, lighter fluid, and other substances as a kid. As he was growing up, he was in and out of juvenile hall, and then as he got older, he spent lots of time in an asylum. As soon as he got out, he would almost immediately do something to get thrown back in.

The one positive influence in his life was his father, D. Ray White, who was one of the area's best mountain dancers (which looks kind of like the "Lord of the Dance"-style Irish dancing, but with only one person). He tried to teach Jesco how to dance as a way to keep him out of trouble, and succeeded to an extent but Jesco just couldn't keep his behavior in check and keeps getting locked up. During one of those incarcerations, D. Ray was killed by a couple of drunk men after a show one night, and Jesco didn't take it well. Fortunately, though, he happened to meet Cilla (played by Carrie Fisher) and she was able to somewhat keep him in check.

This movie is both horrible and intriguing. Even though Jesco is a very unlikeable character you can't stop watching, and you can't help feeling sorry for him (much like the character played by Ronnie Blevins in American Cowslip, although this is a much darker movie). The acting is very good, and the story is interesting and should easily hold your attention for the hour-and-a-half runtime.