Adapted and directed by Victor Nunez, A FLASH OF GREEN is a sure-handed look at corruption in Florida, with all the richly observed characterizations found in John D. MacDonald's novel.
In the mythical town of Palm City, we first meet Jimmy Wing (Harris), a likable reporter for the local paper. Elmo Bliss (Jordan), the local county commissioner, has been a pal of Jimmy's since they were in school together years before. Elmo is very ambitious and comes to Jimmy with a bribe offer.
Elmo and his buddies want to gain control of some publicly owned land for development but are stymied by a group of ecological do-gooders known as the "SOBs" (Save Our Bay). The would-be developers mean to get that opposition out of the way, and things start to get pretty ugly before it's all
over.
A complex story with no easy answers, A FLASH OF GREEN is beautifully acted, and one of the few adaptations of a MacDonald novel that sticks closely to the intent of the original. Where it falls apart is in failing to provide a sustained story line for the audience. Too many side issues detract
from the story, and the uncertain editing doesn't help. But the film is moody, steamy and provocative enough to warrant your attention. leave a comment