The Life of David Gale

Four days before his execution, former University Professor David Gale (Spacey) decides to give his first interview to acclaimed journalist Bitsey Bloom (Winslet). Changed with the rape and murder of his colleague Constance Hallaway (Linney), Gale's case has gone through three appeals and each one has found him guilty. What makes his case exceptional is that is was the leading campaigner against the death penalty in Texas and he maintains that he has been set up so that he'd shut up.

Acclaimed British director Alan Parker brings another movie with a message. After his success with racial drama Mississippi Burning, Parker has now taken on the US Death penalty in what ends up been a slightly predictable piece of melodrama.

The twisty-turny script becomes all too evident in the second act. Anyone with the slightest bit of intelligence will be able to tell you the ending and you will spend the last third of the movie waiting to see that you are right. First time screenwriter Charles Randolph does a decent job in grabbing your interest but takes your gained curiosity a tad too far in the final act as the rather obvious ending is preceded by twist after twist, so much so that you could end up asking more questions than you get answers.

Script aside, the performances are very good but that is no surprise looking at the quality of the cast. Kevin Spacey is as good as ever, bringing a certain amount of desperation and vulnerability to his character. Kate Winslet has a good crack at an American accent and looks as beautiful as ever. She really is a good actress and does her best with what is a quite limited role. The very talented Laura Linney brings dignity to her role and Gabriel Mann holds his own in a talented cast.

The Life of David Gale does push its message a tad hard but has enough to keep you entertained. It might be overly predictable but this is made up for by the talented cast who give there all to the cause.

Audio commentary from director Alan Parker, Deleted scenes with optional commentary from Alan Parker, 'Making Of' featurette, 'The Music Of David Gale' featurette, 'Death In Tecas' featurette, Alternative poster concepts ,Trailers, Interactive menu & Scene access

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2003