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Movies / On DVD / The Life of David Gale
The Life of David Gale

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The Life of David Gale (2003)

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Reviews Counted:35

Fresh:15

Rotten:20

Average Rating:2.5/10

Consensus: Instead of offering a convincing argument against the death penalty, this implausible, convoluted thriller pounds the viewer over the head with its message.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for violent images, nudity, language and sexuality

Runtime: 2 hrs 11 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Feb 21, 2003 Wide

Box Office: $19,593,740

Synopsis: Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the... Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the brave journalist who sets out to tell to his story. In the days leading up to his execution, Gale fills her in on his life via flashbacks, which include political debates, lectures, sex with a student, rape allegations, alcoholism, divorce, and despair. As the hour of his doom approaches, Bitsey becomes convinced that Gale is the victim of a shadowy political conspiracy and races against the clock to prove his innocence. Director Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING) manages to deliver a strong anti-capital punishment message alongside enough twists, turns and shocking moments to keep viewers perched at the edges of their seats. Winslet and Spacey are both riveting in the leads, but its Laura Linney as Gale's alleged victim--a fellow anti-capital punishment activist and close friend--who makes the biggest impression. Gabriel Mann also scores points in a sympathetic role as Bitsey's intern. Nicholas Cage served as the film's producer. The musical score is by Parker's two sons, Jake and Alex. [More]

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann, Leon Rippy, Rhona Mitra

Director: Alan Parker

Director: Alan Parker
Screenwriter: Charles Randolph
Producer: Nicolas Cage, Alan Parker, Moritz Borman, Guy East
Composer: Alex Parker, Jake Parker
Producer: Nicolas Cage
Studio: Universal Pictures

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Release:

Jun 29, 2004

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Reviews for The Life of David Gale

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1 - 15 (sorted by date)
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
10/18/08
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile

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Full Review Source: DVDnett.no | comment Comment
05/01/05
DVDnett.no

The plot twists are cheap and undermine the film's philosophical credibility.

Full Review Source: DVD Verdict | comment Comment
10/19/04
Mike Pinsky
Mike Pinsky
DVD Verdict

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Full Review Source: CinemaZone.dk | comment Comment
03/16/04
CinemaZone.dk

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Full Review Source: DVDTalk.com | comment Comment
12/06/03
Don Houston
Don Houston
DVDTalk.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: iofilm.co.uk | comment Comment
10/13/03
Dalawsta
Dalawsta
iofilm.co.uk
N/R

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Full Review Source: DVD.net.au | comment Comment
10/12/03
Adrian Turvey
Adrian Turvey
DVD.net.au
N/R

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Full Review Source: DVDTown.com | comment Comment
08/27/03
Tim David Raynor
Tim David Raynor
DVDTown.com

Director Alan Parker offers an interesting commentary. ...

Full Review Source: Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) | comment Comment
08/26/03
Bob Bloom
Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

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Full Review Source: Dark Horizons | comment Comment
08/17/03
Garth Franklin
Garth Franklin
Dark Horizons

I almost feel like apologizing for liking The Life of David Gale

Full Review Source: Fantastica Daily | comment Comment
08/01/03
Staci Layne Wilson
Staci Layne Wilson
Fantastica Daily

Although the foundation of the material is interesting enough, The Life of David Gale suffers under the weight of its own importance.

Full Review Source: Korea Times | comment Comment
07/23/03
Fred Hong Joo Jung
Fred Hong Joo Jung
Korea Times
N/R

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Full Review Source: CurrentFilm.com | comment Comment
07/23/03
Aaron Beierle
Aaron Beierle
CurrentFilm.com

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Full Review Source: Reel.com | comment Comment
07/22/03
Pam Grady
Pam Grady
Reel.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
03/02/03
Empire Magazine
 
 
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