The film is so expertly crafted that it becomes an effective thriller. It is not, however, an indictment of the death penalty.
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:152
Fresh:30
Rotten:122
Average Rating:4.3/10
Consensus: Instead of offering a convincing argument against the death penalty, this implausible, convoluted thriller pounds the viewer over the head with its message.
Runtime: 2 hrs 11 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the... Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the brave journalist who sets out to tell to his story. In the days leading up to his execution, Gale fills her in on his life via flashbacks, which include political debates, lectures, sex with a student, rape allegations, alcoholism, divorce, and despair. As the hour of his doom approaches, Bitsey becomes convinced that Gale is the victim of a shadowy political conspiracy and races against the clock to prove his innocence. Director Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING) manages to deliver a strong anti-capital punishment message alongside enough twists, turns and shocking moments to keep viewers perched at the edges of their seats. Winslet and Spacey are both riveting in the leads, but its Laura Linney as Gale's alleged victim--a fellow anti-capital punishment activist and close friend--who makes the biggest impression. Gabriel Mann also scores points in a sympathetic role as Bitsey's intern. Nicholas Cage served as the film's producer. The musical score is by Parker's two sons, Jake and Alex. [More]
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann, Leon Rippy, Rhona Mitra
Director: Alan Parker
Director: Alan Parker
Screenwriter: Charles Randolph
Producer: Nicolas Cage, Alan Parker, Moritz Borman, Guy East
Composer: Alex Parker, Jake Parker
Producer: Nicolas Cage
Studio: Universal Pictures
Reviews for The Life of David Gale
It isn't long before we yearn to see David Gale as the poster-boy for deserved capital punishment.
LThe Life of David Gale goes quietly into that good night during the doldrums of February, when studios discard their noble failures. . .
. When all is said and done, The Life of David Gale is thus only worth about $8.50 on a cheap Tuesday. .
'A pesar de las infundadas críticas en su contra, Alan Parker logra un trabajo estupendamente llevado a la pantalla al que vale mucho la pena echarle un vistazo'
It would take an intellect far superior to mine to explain the rationale -- or, for that matter, the release -- of David Gale.
I ended up feeling sorry for Mr. Spacey, Ms. Winslet and Ms. Linney, so contrived was the foolishness in which they found themselves embroiled.
Promises an intelligent debate about capital punishment but delivers a predictable thriller, directed with stunning amateurishness by Alan Parker.
Worth seeing for Spacey and Linney but you'll spend more time arguing about the finale than you will about the issue behind it.
Suffers from Parker's same overindulgence in making points at the expense of making stories.
Grading on the curve, I give it high marks for trying something different, but somewhat lower ones for entertainment value.
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