Rating: 
Summary: Brilliantly done
Review: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, and Kate Winslet perform remarkably in this not-talked-about-enough movie. Spacey plays David Gale, a man who has tried to live by his principles, but in a bizarre turn of bad luck, this devoted father, popular professor and respected death penalty opponent finds himself on Death Row for the rape and murder of fellow-activist Constance Hallaway (played by Laura Linney). With only three days before his scheduled execution, Gale chooses reporter "Bitsey" Bloom, played by Winslet, for a series of final interviews to explain how he was wrongly convicted. If you have strong pro-death penalty opinions or are religiously devoted, and are not open to having your views challenged, this film may not be your cup of tea. This movie is done with flashbacks, which creates suspense and interest. The banter between Bitsey and the intern that is assigned to accompany her at all times adds humour and shows the human side to the career-minded Bitsey. It is a thinking person's movie, and it is as disturbing as it is thought provoking.
Rating:
Summary: Makes you think, but it's not hard to understand
Review: This movie is one that I could replay many times and still think, "Wow, what a great movie!" I admit that my political views are slightly left of center; therefore, I am in totally agreement with the movie's political message. I do, however, think that the right-wing conservative would also value the movie. The plot is suspenseful and clever-something that anyone, despite his/her political views, would enjoy. I don't think that the attempt to put in a message hurt the plot by any means. The message isn't offensive or overly stated. The character of David Gale (Kevin Spacey) is quite complex. He does not fit the stereotype of someone on death row. He's a dad, a professor, an anti-capital punishment activist, a friend, and a lover. But he's also enjoys sex outside of wedlock and often drinks uncontrollably. He is human with many characteristics, perhaps similar to yours. The complexity of characters does not allow for much predictability of events. The movie is thought provoking, but not hard to understand. You won't be scratching your head wondering what happened or what deep meaning you were supposed to get. You will however think about it whenever you're stuck in traffic the morning after you watch it. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Better Than I Expected
Review: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie after all the bad reviews it got. It was about David Gale (obviously), played to perfection by Kevin Spacey. Gale is an alchohol guzzling, anti-capitol punishment crusader who is accused of rape and murder in Texas. Sitting on death row, he gives his last interview to Bitsey Bloom, played by Kate Winslet, who also does an admirable job. Done in flashbacks, Gale tells her the story of what led up to his conviction. While she goes into this interview totally believing he's guilty, she soon has her doubts. These are further supported by the "cowboy" who seems to be following her and her partner around. She has 3 days to prove Gale's innocence or he'll be put to death. Is he guilty or is he the victim of a setup by some hard core capitol punishment activist or politician who wants him out of the way? This movie has a thrilling ending that comes with a surprise.
Whether you are for or against capitol punishment, this film won't change your mind and maybe isn't meant to. Just see the movie and enjoy it for what it is. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning. . . There need not be any other description.
Review: This, plain and simple, was one of the most profound and striking films I have ever seen. David Gale, played by Kevin Spacey, is a University professor who is the regional director of "Deathwatch," an activist group who vehemently opposes the death penalty. Gale, considered a genius by the academic community, was tried and convicted of the rape and murder of his colleague and best friend, Constance. He was sentenced to die in the State of Texas penal system. The irony being that he himself, one of biggest opponents of the death penalty, would have landed on death row. The story is told in a series of flashbacks, to a reporter, whom Gale has entrusted his freedom, his very life for that matter. Bitsy, the reporter, played by Kate Winslet, herself has had a run-in with the law. Gale tells the story of how he was fired from his job, how his life was ruined, and how he ended up being put on death row. Throughout the story it becomes more and more evident that he was innocent of the murder of his best friend. There was a tripod at the scene of the murder. Gale in turn, knows that there was a camera at the scene, and knows whoever put it there, holds the key to his freedom. The film transitions from scene to scene with a speed and precision that was absolutely stunning. The story becomes more and more gripping. There are not many things that can be said about this movie that would not ruin it. Know that it is genius, but also know that if you are strong in pro-death penalty beliefs, this may not well be the film for you. It is screamingly liberal. If that is not your cup of tea, don't watch this. The only thing I will say that is a negative about this movie is that it loses a lot in re-watching. The captivating surprises that are throughout this film are no longer surprises, therefore a lot is lost. Aside from that, this is one of the most amazing films I have ever seen. epc
Rating:
Summary: Ease up on the political message
Review: sometimes it feels like you're watching a documentry instead of a Hollywood movie. It was a good movie that makes you think. The ending surprise was good. Spacey as always acted well, it was Winslet who bugged me. I can see her in a role like this. She was way too bland.
Rating: 
Summary: Flat and overblown.
Review: ... Despite its pretensions, The Life Of David Gale is little more than a R rated version of the sort of schlock that frequently appears on the Lifetime network. Instead of Aidan Quinn, Mary Stewart Masterson and Holly Hunter we get "bigger" names in the form of Spacey, Kate Winslet and Laura Linney. Unfortunately Winslet (whose had difficulty finding anything worthwhile to appear in since Titanic) spends much of the films duration struggling with an unflattering American accent. Spacey does that "unhinged" thing he's now spent a decade doing and Linney appears to be doing an impersonation of Holly Hunter. Not a terrible film, just a film that appears to be a little too taken with how important it thinks it is.
Oh, and the ending (like Pay It Forward) has to be seen to be believed.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling
Review: The Life of David Gale is an amazingly intense movie that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. The performances from Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney and Kate Winslet are incredible. This movie has so many twists and turns up until the fabulous, shocking conclusion!
Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: i was pleasently surprised by this movie. it's not a drama. it doesn;t over dramatize the guys life but it was shocking how cruel some people are. i didn't believe in the dath sentence in the 1st place but this movie made me think why is he in jail and why are they going to kill him. get ready to cry for david at the end though. enjoyable but the ending should've been better.
Rating:
Summary: Great Whodunit Movie
Review: This is a good mystery/thriller/detective movie that makes you always guessing and wondering. Don't get caught in the "death penalty" situation, since you may or may not agree with it. Instead, pay attention to the story, ie. what Kate Winslet found, what Kevin Spacey did, how his reaction was, etc. If you do that, you'll find yourself a great whodunit movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great Plot, not great movie
Review: I enjoyed this movie for the plot.I liked Kevin Spacey's performance, but the rest of the movie felt flat, undimensional. The story is great whether you are for or against capital punishment. Ever see a movie where you think "I'd rather read the 'book'"? Well this was one of those movies for me.
But the "endings" are worth watching the movie for. Very good surprises.
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