About as far from stunt comedy as you can get, The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia is an absorbing portrait of a prison-prone, drug-addled Appalachian family, executive produced by Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine of Jackass.
Julien Nitzberg’s feature-length documentary profiles the eponymous Whites, whose proud performative roots and accompanying artistic temperaments have only isolated them from their community. The result is what Nitzberg calls “a portrait of American ‘badassdom’ at its best” — an intimate look at a fascinating, endearingly unconventional family, but without the lens of moral superiority.
Visit the film’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, read an interview with the director, watch The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia online, and buy the DVD.
Click through below for a gallery of images from the film.
The White family tree, courtesy WildandWonderfulWhites.com
Jesco White by the train tracks, courtesy Tribeca Film
Jesco White, the Dancing Outlaw, accompanied by Hank Williams III, courtesy Tribeca Film
Derky White tests out his rifle at home, courtesy Tribeca Film
Brandon Poe in jail, courtesy Tribeca Film
Bertie Mae White, courtesy Tribeca Film
Jesco White getting a tattoo, courtesy Tribeca Film
Mamie White, Sue Bob White, Kirk White, courtesy Tribeca Film
Mamie White, courtesy Tribeca Film
Jesco White in a cemetery, courtesy Tribeca Film