The Life Of David Gale Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The crime is clear. The truth is not.
Dr. David Gale, an advocate of eliminating the death penalty, is falsely accused of rape and murder. Once convicted, he ends up on death row in Texas himself, telling his story to a reporter through a series of flashbacks.
| Kate Winslet | Bitsey Bloom |
| Cleo King | Barbara Kreuster |
| Constance Jones | Reporter A.J. Roberts |
| Kevin Spacey | David Gale |
| Laura Linney | Constance Harraway |
| Lee Ritchey | Joe Mullarkey |
| Gabriel Mann | Zack Stemmons |
| Matt Craven | Dusty Wright |
| Brandy Little | Motel Waitress |
| Cindy Waite | Margie |
| Jim Beaver | Duke Grover |
| Leon Rippy | Braxton Belyeu |
| Jesse De Luna | Supervising Guard |
| Vernon Grote | Door Guard |
| Rhona Mitra | Berlin |
| Alan Parker |
7.20 out of 10 (19408 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Death Penalty in its present form!
posted on 10 Aug 2009The movie Life of David Gale was suspiciously entertaining with a rather bizarre twist at the end. While I don't necessarily agree with the plot of the film, I feel that the death penalty in its present form is not a deterrent. I think one of the comments of a stand-in actors during the protest scene was "lethal injection is too good for him; they ought to go after him with a pick axe." Probably would deter more better, eh?Victims of murderers (for real ones), should be compensated with a more just punishment than by just having the murderer "go to sleep."And, accordingly, life imprisonment without suffering as the victim(s) typically do, is not the answer either.
Great movie that will keep you thinking.
posted on 25 Jul 2009Kevin Spacey has been in some great thrillers in time (Seven, Usual Suspects) and this is another.I saw the movie last night and it's still playing over and over in my head while I try to figure out what clues were given and what I missed. I'm about ready to go back and see it today!
Amazing and disturbing mystery movie well acted by Winslet and Spacey
posted on 25 Jul 2009I think people are putting too much on the intellectual property of this film. It's isn't here to educate, it is here to entertain. It entertained me. It did its job as a movie.The whole movie surrounds a mystery that Bitsey has to solve to save a life. You pretty much know that David Gale is not going to live, but doesn't stop you from still cheering her on. Kate Winslet does some fine acting as always along with Kevin Spacey who is great in everything he does.The film had a lot of layers, an intern/reporter team that was male/female was no sexual tension between them (what a nice change), amusing characters like the goth girl we meet on the way that is living in house the murder took place, the cowboy who is following them, mysterious video tapes. This is what would happen if David Lynch directed a linear true crime type film. :) All the elements are there.I don't think it was insulting to my intelligence and I feel I am quite intelligent. This movie wasn't made to sway people to save lives or for any political reasons, it was made to be enjoyed. If it happens to make people think about who is innocent and who is guilty in life and the court system in America, then that's great too. Of course, I thought at the end, Bitsey had gave the videotape to the intern to give to the station before David's death. Sadly, that wasn't the case. I assume her car breaking down was the fault of the cowboy that followed her. I didn't quite understand the whole opera subplot, how Berlin became an opera star and why the cowboy was listening to opera all the time. Where did Berlin get the money? Did she get it for setting up Gale? Or was it a gift to him because she framed him? Maybe it is because I watched this one sleepy at 4am that I don't know why there is a little plot hole there. Perhaps it is meant to be a mystery. Overall, I liked this one. 9/10
A disappointment
posted on 15 Jul 2009I thought I'd be treated to a good story played out by good actors. Well, the last statement is true, the acting is good. But, unfortunately, the story can't live up to the actors capacity.There's one big expectation I have when I sit down to watch a movie. I like to be entertained. Whether it's a comedy, a thriller, a horror flick or drama the story line is essential. Don't put it all out, give me some space to think for myself.The tale about David Gale lacks suspense. Early on it's pretty clear what's going on, how it's done, who's done it and so on... The question about death penalty might be a controversial aspect for some viewers, but for me it doesn't heighten the final impression.
great story, awful plot
posted on 11 Jul 2009I loved the story of The Life of David Gale, but the plot was painfully predictable. The entire second half of the movie, I was just sitting there waiting for the obvious to occur. The dialogue didn't exactly help to appease my boredom either...Also, be warned that this movie is very political. The pro-death penalty crowd might view it as propaganda, while the anti-death penalty crowd may be disappointed to see that a couple of the statistics used in the movie are not accurate.
Superb suspence and involvement
posted on 11 Jul 2009The terrific acting of Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet and the others, draws you into this thriller as if you were living it. The ordeal of the anti death penalty professor who is suspected and convicted of a murder that we feel he has not committed creates a suspence that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole length of the movie. The final culmination during the last scene is superb and shows you that you have been put on the wrong leg during the whole film.
DeathWatch (…or Sex, Lies, and Videotape)
posted on 07 Jul 2009University of Austin philosophy professor Kevin Spacey (as David Gale) is a well-known death penalty opponent; ironically, he is about to be executed for the rape/murder of co-protester Laura Linney (as Constance Harraway). With four days to live, Mr. Spacey tells beautiful reporter Kate Winslet (as Elizabeth "Bitsey" Bloom) his story - vehemently asserting he did NOT kill Ms. Linney. Ms. Winslet listens to Spacey explain the events leading up to the crime, which we see in "flashbacks". As she hears Spacey's testimonial, Winslet begins to investigate the unfolding mystery, with smoking intern Gabriel Mann (as Zack Stemmons) assisting.The final, final twist wasn't a complete shock; but, there is a great deal of welcome uncertainty throughout most of the film. Alan Parker's "The Life of David Gale" is a roller-coaster - managing to be suspenseful, unpredictable, and thought-provoking. The part that comes closest to misfiring is Spacey's drunken rant about Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. But, the character was, at the time, a philosophy teacher battling alcoholism. In fact, Charles Randolph's story is very tightly written; with wall posters, stuffed animals, and car trouble all making complete sense.Winsome Winslet and Mr. Mann are the "present" story co-stars, with "flaming liberal" Spacey and Linney leading the "flashback" cast. The two different story lines are crosscut beautifully. The acting is exceptional, with Linney probably outdistancing the others - she certainly has the most demanding role, which she performs courageously, and without a double. How does an A-list actress, like Linney, receive no "Best Supporting Actress" consideration for her work in this film?As a movie pair, Winslet and Mann are quite impressive. Mr. Randolph, director Parker, and the cast make both the major and minor characters memorable. The film could have been given a more interesting title than "The Life of David Gale"; too bad "sex, lies, and videotape" and "DeathWatch" were unavailable. In the past, this basic story appeared under titles like "Capitol Punishment", "Circumstantial Evidence", and ""Beyond a Reasonable Doubt". However labeled, this is one of the more engaging takes on the ancient law.********* The Life of David Gale (2003) Alan Parker ~ Kate Winslet, Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann
Point
posted on 07 Jul 2009What I cannot understand is how so many people missed the point of the movie.The point was to show to what extent extremists of any ideology will go to in order to prove their point.The emotion I felt after this movie was complete anger. That David Gale and his cohorts would use a terminally ill woman as protest fodder stuns me to this day.The unbelievable temerity of these people to manipulate human life for a cause is shameful.Although the movie was excellent, I fear that it is over most people heads.
Excellent
posted on 29 Jun 2009Wow, long time ago I went out of a movie with such a good feeling. Its a straight, good story with no waisting time telling the story and annoying scenes. Kevin Spacey plays superb. And dont forget the movie industrie likes to make the movies a commercial success. From this point of view its an amazing thing that such a movie is happening.10 out of 10
if you like really good endings and surprises this is great
posted on 27 Jun 2009The story moves along at a brisk pace keeping you interested.You begin to see and understand what the problem is and you get a big build up of Anticipation , while you try to figure it out. But it moved to fast.The story itself about a professor and his colleague at work who are both against capital punishment, join and lead a anti execution grass roots group to put an end to capital punishment. Its a current theme in the USA. The end seems clear then it moves away and leaves you with a great surprise and lesson in and about life. A must see for everyone.Really Really liked this. MUST SEE.
predictable politically correct diatribe
posted on 09 Jun 2009Halway through the movie you can predict the "surprise twist" ending. Be prepared to be preached to all you knuckle dragging right wing conservatives. The only logical part of this movie was that he was an elite from Harvard University. I don't think that the directors got what a joke that part was. What other viewpoint would a far left Liberal have? They probably thought that would have given him more credence but it just shows how out of touch the creators of this movie are. Why not pick someone from the Texas University system which then would not have been as expected a viewpoint? Good acting though!
predictable and slow
posted on 09 Jun 2009A great waste of talent such as that of Kevin Spacey in the life of David Gale leaves one pondering whether the waste of time should be blamed on the director for poor manufacturing or the actor for having chosen the role.As I sat preparing myself for the inevitable ending of this film, I was amazed at the sophomoric and stereotypical presentation the talented Alan Parker placed before me. The obligatory giant steak thrown on a grill to remind us that in Texas they eat meat. The college party that portrays the "intellectual" professors in a semantic joust. ( Big words apparently mean big brains. It's obvious the ideas behind the words weren't thought through.) The college campus loaded with clean looking Americans lying around listening to music on a lawn that would be closed to pedestrians at the worst of public universities.Is it me, or is anyone else sick of the Hollywood-style delivery of cramming a substantive book into fat, heavy, exaggerated scenes?
Did they think I was stupid?
posted on 03 Jun 2009This was the worst movie I have seen this year, by far. I went in with high expectations, given that Kevin Spacey is one of my favorite actors. I loved his work in The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, and a number of other movies he has been in. I had also seen previews, which made this movie look like a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, The Life of David Gale did not measure up to any of my expectations. First of all, it was clear within a half hour exactly what was going on. After that, there was no suspense for the rest of the movie. They (the producers) try to make you think that certain things are going on (and the actors, especially Kate Winslet, act as if those things are going on), but it is so obvious what had actually happened that I couldn't believe the way the characters in the movie were acting, since I was so sure they would have seen what I saw. Kate Winslet's overly emotional reactions to "discoveries" throughout the movie made me feel as if I was watching a soap opera. I have seen better acting on Passions (a REALLY bad soap opera on NBC). When I left this movie, I actually thought about going to the cashier at the theater and asking for my money back. It was that bad.
Interesting propaganda, predictable, too long.
posted on 01 Jun 2009I would have rated this movie higher if it was shorter(tighter) and not so predictable that I could foresee the ending less than half way through the story. Spacey is not one of my favorites but I thought he did a credible job. Winslet and Linney held their own as usual. Good rental.
A disgusting attack on anti-death penalty activists
posted on 26 May 2009I'm astonished that many reviewers interpreted this movie as an anti-death penalty film, and a liberal political statement. The overall point of the movie appears to be that anti-death penalty activists (and political activists in general) are insane, self-destructive fanatics. One of the characters is repeatedly called a "bullhorner," implying that simply using bullhorns at political demonstrations is a sign of madness.Part of the premise -- that the death penalty would be undermined if an innocent person was executed -- overlooks the fact that there are over 400 documented cases of innocent people sentenced to death in the US, and that (as of the time of release of the movie) twenty-three innocent people have actually been executed. None of the other arguments against the death penalty -- that it is overwhelmingly racist and used only against the poor, who are unable to mount effective defenses -- are even mentioned.Also, there's a grotesque, and pointless, subplot about Gale's career being destroyed after a false accusation of rape -- an indulgence in a sexist myth that false accusations of rape are common and destructive. While this couldn't be labeled a pro-death penalty movie, it's clearly not an anti-death penalty movie, and the general intent of the movie seems to be to discredit a growing opposition to the death penalty.In addition, the dialog is awful, and the plot is absurdly contrived and incoherent.
The best ending
posted on 26 May 2009The movie is great. The storyline catches you. The ending is marvelous. And why is that ? Because throughout the movie you quite figure out the ending. The actions previews an ending. It doesn't let your mind figure out what may happen. At some times you might even think you've seen this before, it's obvious how the movie will end. And indeed as the movie rolls and it comes to the end you see what you had already thought of. But that's not all. As you prepare to leave the cinema it strikes you. Moments of silence and consternation appear. You sit down as the music plays on. Then you start reviewing the movie in your mind and it all makes sense now. "Just give me a name. I'll write it down. A man that you can prove is innocent". One of the best lines ever. The words of governor come up to you. They continue going on and on in your mind. It all starts there. And it ends with the name of the innocent ...
WOW
posted on 26 May 2009This movie was absolutely amazing, wonderful acting on everyones part. I got done watching this movie and all I could say was wow that was amazing. You will not be disappointed with this film. If you are then you do not know what a good movie is. Do not let children watch it but highly recommended for adults.
Gale Blows: SPOILER
posted on 16 May 2009I haven't read through all the reviews so apologise if the above pun has been repeated.1. Spacey's saccharine interactions with his son come over as false. 2. The scene where Winslet and cohort first go through the prison gates as if this were the first film on the planet to ever show an audience what going into a prison was like. 3. Those annoying flashes of text that were probably meant to add a bit of visual flair. They don't. 4. Winslet bursting into tears at every opportunity 5. The two most incompetent journalists in history. "Oops I can' find my pencil. Dang, I can't get his licence plate number now" or "Oops the train cut me off from tailing the Stetson guy, I know who he is but I suppose there's no point trying to find out where he lives by any other means that's what real journalists do" 6. A film in the 21st century using the cliched plot devices mentioned in 3 7. The sub-Murder She Wrote way that Stetson guy is flagged as a Shady Character and he listens to opera, everybody knows that cultured people in films are always raving psychos, so he's gotta be a suspect, right? 8. So, you've got ten 3 hour VHS cassettes to wade through in half an hour to find 5 minutes of footage. Hmmm, Kate manages OK though (well at least she rules 'em all out pretty damn quick!). 9. .then she finds the tape and thinks "I know I really haven't got any time with Dave about to get the needle and all, but I really have got to watch it all the way to the end AND I need a good cry while I'm at it" 10. Kate's car expiring at a crucial point (another irritating cliché) 11. Kate suddenly becomes a super athlete and sprints at least a couple of miles to the execution facility and isn't even out of breath when she gets there! 12. The trite argument about the death penalty - the film assumes the audience ain't for it then preaches to the converted. 13. I'm not for the death penalty, but I really wanted the sucker to fry at the end of it. 14. The sub text to the film: "Hmmm, basically no one gives a damn when innocent black people or white trash get fried. What we really need is some respectable middle class intelligent guy to buy it then the suckers will get a conscience!"Big fat zero
Grind that Ax...
posted on 18 Aug 2009This movie is an anti death penalty polemic and ends up being a confusing far fetched mess...the conclusion is totally unrealistic based on Prof. Gale's character...He is never portrayed as a zealot, more as a hedonistic self-absorbed intellectual who knows better than everybody else (typical leftist demagogue)...I think Spacey is a great actor, but he could have sleep walked thru this role...ditto Winslet, who is the heir to Streep in terms of range and fearlessness as an actor. This was not her best work by far, but I think she was shortchanged by the material and lack of character development. We never really know who Bitsy is and why she is the way she is. All in all, this movie is worth seeing once for the actors and the music is very good, but if you want death row intrigue and suspense, its all been done before and much better, without the in your face politics.