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The Life of David Gale [2003]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) plays David Gale, a brilliant but hard-drinking anti-death penalty crusader on death row for a rape and murder that he claims he didn't commit. The victim of the crime is Gale's close friend and anti-death penalty colleague (Laura Linney, You Can Count On Me), so Gale argues that he's been set up to discredit the cause. Committed journalist Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet, Titanic) takes it upon herself to figure the whole thing out--and so we follow her through a ridiculous plot full of supposedly shocking twists that are telegraphed far in advance and make very little sense when they arrive. The overwritten script tries to cover too many hot-button issues and gives Spacey way too many showy scenes where he gets to be passionate and caring, which is creepier than his psychopath roles in The Usual Suspects and Seven. --Bret Fetzer


More than your average detective story
Review date: 2008-08-21 Rating: 10 out of 10

I haven't seen this film in years - which I do appreciate might devalue my credibility as a reviewer. However, even having seen the film only once, I consider it one of the best films I have ever seen.

Artistically, the whole cast performed extremely well. As would be expected of actors such as Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney and Kate Winslet, the story was told in an understated and moving manner. However, it is the story itself which makes this a masterpiece. On the surface it was a crime-thriller tale, which didn't patronise or bore the viewer with a predictable outcome - a rarity itself in Hollywood. It's clear underlying intention was to highlight the flaws in America's Death Penalty punishment laws, and the message was powerful.

Governor Hardin: ... I hate killing. That's why my administration is willing to kill to stop it.
David Gale: So, you don't subscribe to the idea that 'a good state is the one that protects its most despised members'?
Governor Hardin: It's a nice, liberal idea. But, like most nice, liberal ideas, naive.
David Gale: It's a quote from you, Governor. From your first state attorney campaign.
*Pause*
Governor Hardin: You've got me, Professor. But let me, in my defense, offer you a quote. Winston Churchill: 'If you're not a liberal at twenty, you have no heart, if you're still a liberal at thirty, you've got no brain.'
*Studio audience laughs*
David Gale: So basically, you feel, to choose another quote: 'society must be cleansed of elements which represent its own death.'
Governor Hardin: Well, yes. I'd have to agree. Did I say that too?
David Gale: No, that was Hitler.

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Reviews


terrible
Review date: 2008-08-04 Rating: 2 out of 10

I got the DVD and it kept jumping and mostly all the scenes I managed to see they were boring. I would not recoommend this to anyone. The story was no good either.


Life of David Gale
Review date: 2008-07-20 Rating: 8 out of 10

'The Life of David Gale' is a thriller that will actually leave you thinking about the issues explored within the film. Following an anti-death penalty protester (Spacey)on death row, we see his life (and the story) unfold through a number of interviews with Winslets character. It is more intelligent than your typical slasher type who-dunnit film and has some interesting twists in the plot. Some of the way the plot goes can be guessed early on from some rather heavy hints, but others are a nice surprise and add to the debate the film touches upon. It is well acted by all involved, especially Laura Linney, who seems to get overlooked in many reviews here. Spacey plays it edgy enough to give his character credibility and although Winslet is good, her character starts off as being this hard ass journalist and ends up as this caring, emotionally involved supporter. It doesn't jar too much, but it is still out of character. Overall this film is a great thriller, with a good plot and is well acted and directed. It should hold you engaged for the two hour duration and give you something to think about afterwards. A strong 4 stars.

Missing the point...
Review date: 2008-07-17 Rating: 10 out of 10

A lot of people missing the point of this film, as I did until a recent rerun. Having been through a similar situation myself over the last few years, somethings can never be undone and although the pain diminishes, it always remains. His blow against capital punishment, although worthy, is secondary to the real pain he seeks to escape.

Indeed truly a masterpiece of a film, and worth watching at least twice to fully appreciate David's motives. If you've been there yourself, you'll understand. This film has just made it into my top ten.

Sorry, not PC
Review date: 2008-03-26 Rating: 2 out of 10

This film must get the lowest rating because, despite having great actors and a respected director, it mismanages and misunderstands the wider implications on viewers in the US. This film is politically incorrect as many critics in the US have pointed out before me. Capital Punishment has been abolished in Europe and no sane administration wants to bring it back. This film undermines the struggle of the death penalty opponents in the US because they are portrayed as zealots that will manipulate law to succeed in their political goals. This film is doing damage to the political cause and as Europeans it is our obligation to stand with the death penalty opponents in the US.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Kevin Spacey|Kate Winslet

Creators:
Kevin Spacey|Kate Winslet (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Uca
Manufacturer: Uca
EAN: 5050582062571
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-10-06
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 130 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003-02-21
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)

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