by Amanda Stutevoss
Editorial Director
Director Alan Parker (“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “Evita”) delivers twists and turns in his seductive crime thriller, “The Life of David Gale.”
Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a man who lives by his principles. But in a strange twist of fate, the father, sociology professor and death penalty opponent, finds himself on Death Row in Texas for the rape and murder of his colleague and fellow death row activist, Constance Harraway (Laura Linney).
Three days before his scheduled execution, Gale agrees to an exclusive interview with cutting edge reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet). The interview, which puts Gale and Bloom face-to-face for two hours in a prison visiting room three days before his execution, is the only contact that Gale has had since being convicted.
Gale claims he was framed by right-wing supporters of capital punishment. He says his death would provide a sweet irony that would support what he fights to demolish- a system that puts innocent men on death row because of court appointed lawyers and the harsh laws in Texas.
Through flashbacks, the movie shows how Gale was jailed. Throughout these flashbacks viewers learn to understand the inner workings of Gale and his relationships with his family and colleague Harraway, who he was especially close to.
After her second interview with Gale, Bloom begins to question the system and whether Gale is guilty of the crime for which he was convicted.
Bloom, a strict believer in the justice system, has no idea this assignment has placed a man’s life in her hands.
In a race against the clock, Bloom risks her own safety to investigate and piece together the puzzle surrounding Harraway’s murder.
The film serves as a lethal injection from the opening scenes, leaving the audience clinging to their seats throughout the 130 minute film.
As the chemicals set in, the audience is left questioning the moral of the story. Is this movie for or against the death penalty? This film does a good job of discrediting opponents of the death penalty.
Despite a slight twist at the end, “The Life of David Gale” makes your heart race and your logic disappear. Its worth seeing on the big screen.
