Click to read the article
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:152
Fresh:30
Rotten:122
Average Rating:4.3/10
Consensus: Instead of offering a convincing argument against the death penalty, this implausible, convoluted thriller pounds the viewer over the head with its message.
Runtime: 2 hrs 11 mins
Genre: Dramas
US 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
Reviews for The Life of David Gale
The filmmakers work so hard to bewilder and to preach that they give us no opportunity to think clearly about the serious life-and-death issues that the film claims to address.
Como suspense, o filme não desaponta. Porém, a ambiguidade moral de seus ‘heróis’ acaba por transmitir uma mensagem oposta àquela que o filme pretende defender.
... [Alan] Parker lures you into the theater, but then you sit down and all he has waiting for you is a whoopee cushion.
In arguing that calmly and deliberately taking a life can never be justified... it ends up arguing just the opposite. It’s bad drama and worse politics.
The film is so expertly crafted that it becomes an effective thriller. It is not, however, an indictment of the death penalty.
It isn't long before we yearn to see David Gale as the poster-boy for deserved capital punishment.
LThe Life of David Gale goes quietly into that good night during the doldrums of February, when studios discard their noble failures. . .
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Life of David Gale at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Life of David Gale at IGN
- The Life of David Gale at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

The New Matilda's Lynden Barber looks at the recent success of low-budget sci-fi -- and asks the question.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

