Movie Review: The Life of David Gale

The Life of David Gale

This movie has an enviable pedigree of Oscar® winning and nominated stars and director, but I was never intrigued by the storyline. Hasn't capital punishment been (pardon the phrase) done to death in the movies? I actually ended up going to the movie based solely on the recommendation of a freeper in a single-paragraph posting at Free Republic. To that anonymous freeper, I have just one thing to say: THANK YOU!

The Life of David Gale is viewed in retrospect as Gale (Kevin Spacey) is interviewed on death row four days before his scheduled execution. Gale tells his story and makes his claims of innocence to magazine reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslett) who first doubts him but then begins to wonder if there's not a bigger story here than she first thought. Gale, a well-respected Professor of Philosophy, was married to a beautiful woman and had a young son. He was also a prominent anti-death penalty activist in partnership with, among others, his university colleague Constance Harraway (Laura Linney). Gale's life begins to fall apart, however, when he is accused of rape. His wife leaves him, he loses his job, and he drinks far too much. When Constance is raped and murdered, overwhelming evidence lands Gale in prison, sentenced to death.

Bitsey wonders how such a man could become the killer that he is and what his motives might have been. She also questions, however, how anyone could possibly have framed him and, even if they had, what motive could lie behind such a crime. As Gale's last appeal is turned down and his execution date nears, Bitsey finds herself with more questions than ever and a very limited time in which to find answers.

The only question I have about The Life of David Gale is why the studio released this movie when they did. Both Spacey's and Linney's performances have Oscar® written all over them, but neither will be eligible for awards until this time next year. Delaying the release might have been worth it. On the other hand, neither needs to win anything to enhance what I saw as superlative performances. Spacey's range is considerable, and Linney's quiet and private suffering is both courageous and deeply moving. Winslett is fine and so are other members of the supporting cast. But it is Spacey, Linney, and a script worthy of the riveting story it tells that get my vote.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: The Life of David Gale is rated R. There are some extremely graphic violent images as well as some nudity, sexuality, and rough language. None of these things were gratuitous, but neither are they suitable for young audiences. The topic is also not a comfortable one for those of any age, let alone children. Keep those under 16 away. For everyone else, The Life of David Gale is one hell of a movie. I can't stop thinking about it, and I'll bet you won't be able to, either.