The Life of David Gale (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Although he's against the Death Penalty, a Univ. of Texas professor/capital punishment abolitionist, David Gale (Kevin Spacey), ends up on Death Row, convicted of murdering fellow activist/colleague, Constance Hallaway (Laura Linney). Days before execution, journalist Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet) is sent to conduct Gale's final interview. He tells his story from jail in a series of fascinating flashbacks. Is he innocent, is he telling the truth? If he is, can Bitsey prevent his fate? 'The Life of David Gale', directed by Alan Parker, isn't flawless, but it's just smart enough & acted well enough to get our hearts racing at some pretty unassuming moments.
Connie & David worked together for an anti-Death Penalty organization, but after he's falsely accused of raping one of his students (Rhona Mitra), he's out of a job, his family leaves, and he finds solace in alcohol. David's only 'rock' in life is his good friend, Connie. David's emotional wounds are healing. But Connie has some dire problems of her own & David is now there for her. However, just when she reaches out to him for help ... she's brutally murdered. Worse yet, the killer caught it on videotape for the world to see. Out to search for the story of a lifetime, New York reporter, Bitsey Bloom, gets more than what she bargained for.
During his abridged meetings with Bitsey, David unleashes some jaw-dropping secrets. Now convinced that David has been framed (or has he?), Bitsey and her assistant Zack (Gabriel Mann) find themselves in a race against time to try to put a stop to his eventual death. Is it too late? Who is the mysterious man (a creepy Matt Craven) following Bitsey all around town? Is David even innocent? If so, who could have killed Constance, and for what purpose?
Although politics/the American judicial system plays a strong part in 'The Life of David Gale', it's not the foundation of the plot. It doesn't matter if "you're" for or against the Death Penalty. It doesn't matter how Left or Right wing you are. This is David's story to tell, his view. It doesn't beg an opinion from you. The movie is made to educate, but it's VERY much so a murder mystery. Now, that doesn't make it a great film. THAT's up to you to decide. Too many twist & turns? Maybe. Is the ending a bit cheeky in its melodrama? Perhaps. Is it all too perfect to have a car break down in the most pivotal, climactic moment possible? Probably. But it's the acting that keeps this thing afloat for its' duration.
Kevin Spacey is great as the unbelievably level-headed suspect. Is he flawed? Absolutely. But is he a murderer (or accomplice)? You decide that, as well. Kate Winslet is stellar as Bitsey. Winslet struggles with her American accent, occasionally. But her colloquial, everyday, modern characterization of Bitsey is fantastic. We're in her shoes for this movie. We're putting the pieces together as she is. And Laura Linney has never been better, as Constance. There's one scene where she's quietly, courageously pouring her heart out to David & her vulnerability level is through the roof. I personally feel she's worthy of an Oscar nomination for this. Acting aside, the flashbacks are well done, & secrets are kept hidden for just the right amount of time before they all rear their heads. Good movie.
Connie & David worked together for an anti-Death Penalty organization, but after he's falsely accused of raping one of his students (Rhona Mitra), he's out of a job, his family leaves, and he finds solace in alcohol. David's only 'rock' in life is his good friend, Connie. David's emotional wounds are healing. But Connie has some dire problems of her own & David is now there for her. However, just when she reaches out to him for help ... she's brutally murdered. Worse yet, the killer caught it on videotape for the world to see. Out to search for the story of a lifetime, New York reporter, Bitsey Bloom, gets more than what she bargained for.
During his abridged meetings with Bitsey, David unleashes some jaw-dropping secrets. Now convinced that David has been framed (or has he?), Bitsey and her assistant Zack (Gabriel Mann) find themselves in a race against time to try to put a stop to his eventual death. Is it too late? Who is the mysterious man (a creepy Matt Craven) following Bitsey all around town? Is David even innocent? If so, who could have killed Constance, and for what purpose?
Although politics/the American judicial system plays a strong part in 'The Life of David Gale', it's not the foundation of the plot. It doesn't matter if "you're" for or against the Death Penalty. It doesn't matter how Left or Right wing you are. This is David's story to tell, his view. It doesn't beg an opinion from you. The movie is made to educate, but it's VERY much so a murder mystery. Now, that doesn't make it a great film. THAT's up to you to decide. Too many twist & turns? Maybe. Is the ending a bit cheeky in its melodrama? Perhaps. Is it all too perfect to have a car break down in the most pivotal, climactic moment possible? Probably. But it's the acting that keeps this thing afloat for its' duration.
Kevin Spacey is great as the unbelievably level-headed suspect. Is he flawed? Absolutely. But is he a murderer (or accomplice)? You decide that, as well. Kate Winslet is stellar as Bitsey. Winslet struggles with her American accent, occasionally. But her colloquial, everyday, modern characterization of Bitsey is fantastic. We're in her shoes for this movie. We're putting the pieces together as she is. And Laura Linney has never been better, as Constance. There's one scene where she's quietly, courageously pouring her heart out to David & her vulnerability level is through the roof. I personally feel she's worthy of an Oscar nomination for this. Acting aside, the flashbacks are well done, & secrets are kept hidden for just the right amount of time before they all rear their heads. Good movie.