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The Life Of David Gale Details

2003 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 20,498 members

David 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 .. Read more

Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann
Director Alan Parker
Genres Thriller

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The Life Of David Gale

David 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.

Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann, Matt Craven, Elizabeth Gast, Cleo King, Rhona Mitra
Director Alan Parker
Studio UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK VIDEO RENTAL
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 10 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Collections 100 Top Thrillers
Genres Thriller
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 15 Sep 2003
Production year: 2003
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of The Life Of David Gale

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Had Dead Man Walking been written by the sleazy murder mystery specialist Joe Eszterhas, it would probably turn out something like this. Director Alan Parker's previous attempts to merge social commentary with thriller elements have been excellent, but here the story — about the fictional David Gale, a respected academic and opponent of the death penalty who's awaiting execution — never quite catches fire. It does, however, benefit from the astute casting of Kevin Spacey as the intellectual on death row who agrees to give an exclusive interview to tenacious reporter Kate Winslet. The events leading up to his conviction for murder are related via flashback, while Winslet uncovers evidence that Gale has been set up. Audiences are more likely to enjoy the climactic twists and turns than the bulk of the movie, which fails to provide the tension or high drama we'd expect from this talented cast and director. It's worth a look, but this ends up less than worthy.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Glib, bombastic and muddled drama, anti-intellectual in tone, that takes itself, but not its subject-matter, very seriously.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Life Of David Gale

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  • 30 out of 32 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Power performance!

    Spacey is a gem and his performance here is nothing short of suberb. he has that Anthony Hopkins-like smirk and menacing presence that leaves you guessing as to his guilt or innocence throughout the entire movie.

    The plot has been well stiched together as its one of those stories that leaving you wondering long after the credits role.

    Everybody has an opinion on the death penalty and I venture to say most people will have something to say about this movie!

      • Jimboy from London
      • Posted 24 Oct 2003 16:26

  • Most recent members' review of The Life Of David Gale

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  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Top quality film

    I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie as I had heard mixed reviews however I was far from dissapointed. The acting and storyline are superb and you'll enjoy the entire film.

    I'd recommend you rent it now.

      • Sorted from Edinburgh
      • Posted 02 Nov 2003 unknown

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Rating breakdown

20,498 Member ratings
  • 100
2,586
  • 90
2,514
  • 80
4,299
  • 70
3,693
  • 60
3,237
  • 50
1,934
  • 40
1,007
  • 30
651
  • 20
385
  • 10
192

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      • David 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, ...