Not
quite the contradiction that Ebert suggests...
Kate
Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, a news reporter
commissioned to interview a death row inmate
just days before his execution. That man is
David Gale, played by Kevin Spacey, who was
formerly the leading death penalty abolitionist
in the state of Texas. The slightly clichéd plot
has Bitsey running all over the state, with her
sidekick intern in tow, searching for clues and
information that may lead to Gale's exoneration.
A great deal of the story is told in flashback
as Gale recounts it to Bitsey during their
interviews.
This film is quite unashamedly liberal...
clearly favoring the abolitionist stance. Being
a screaming liberal, I don't really have a
problem with that even though I am wishy-washy
on the subject of capital punishment. I don't
think your political views will have a drastic
impact on whether or not you'll like this film.
The plot is too contrived to be considered a
great one... it also gets a little ludicrous in
the final thirty minutes of the running time.
But I did feel the urgency of the situation
because of the tremendous acting from the three
main leads. Spacey is quietly powerful in his
role despite a few overly melodramatic scenes.
Winslet is typically magnificent as the dogged
reporter in search of the truth. And special
note must be given to Laura Linney who probably
deserves Oscar consideration for her supporting
role.
Roger Ebert claims that, 'this movie is about as
corrupt, intellectually bankrupt and morally
dishonest as it could possibly be'. He adds that
the final revelation in the film is 'shameful'
and that it 'undermines the entire message it
proclaims to have'. Now, I think Roger Ebert is
the greatest film critic we've ever had... but I
must respectfully disagree. I think that 'The
Life of David Gale' makes a strong case for the
abolition of the death penalty, and that the
final thirty seconds of the film do nothing to
detract from that effort. I cannot go into more
detail without giving crucial plot points away.
But if you watch the film, you will be able to
decide for yourself.
I do not think this is a great movie. It is far
too manipulative for that. But it is nonetheless
exciting and the performances are superb. So I
recommend the film, cautiously, to those who are
just looking for a crime drama with some degree
of tension. Those who seek out a definitive
argument on the subject may be a tad
disappointed with the 'Hollywood' nature of the
film.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
n/a
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
