The Life of David Gale (Full Screen Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Who said Puccini is dead, eh?
Review: A stunning tour de force and modern day Pucciniesque classic. Rarely does Hollywood put something together that just gels -- The Life of David Gale is one of those moments. I won't bore you with a synopsis (also to avoid a spoiler) but let me just say that understanding Turandot [and the death of Liu] certainly makes understanding the movie that much easier. Constance, in my mind, is the real pivotal character. I guess I can take license in this as in the movie when the notion of truth versus perspective is argued -- usually perspective wind out. In a world were 'big' issues overwhelm a 'little' people into apathy and immobility this movie proves just the opposite -- that the determination of individuals to make a difference can still happen. Yes, we ask 'At what price?' Nonetheless, the social commentary in this movie is worth the price of admission. As mentioned previously, rarely does an ensemble of cast, crew, circumstance, and timing converge into one 'space' and produce so compelling a movie -- this is one of those movies. Who said Puccini is dead, eh?

Miguel Llora

Rating:
Summary: How far are you willing to go to fight for your cause?
Review: That's the question I had to ask myself when I watched this movie. How far are you willing to go to fight for something you truly believe in? The topic of the movie is the death penalty. Is it used unjustly, should here be a death penalty? You have people who are for the death penalty, and people who are against it. David Gale against the death penalty. David Gale is accused of rape, and his world is turned upside down. He is ultimately fired from his job, and he loses his family over this incident. He is very much against the death penalty and will go to great lengths to support his cause. When Constance Harraway his death penalty partner, best friend and confidant is raped and murdered David Gale finds himself on death row.

He refuses to speak to anyone until 5 days before his execution, and then he will only speak to Bitsy Bloom. Bitsy feels that he is supposed to be on death row, but as she finds clue that shows other wise she is in a race to find out what really happens so she can try and help prevent Gale from being executed. The story is revealed through a series of flashbacks, which kept me very interested in how this would unfold. This movie is truly deep!!! Kevin Spacey is simply marvelous in the role of David Gayle. I was really into all the twists and turns this movie takes you through. You have to not just watch this movie, but really pay attention to this movie to the very end. I really enjoyed this movie, and would watch it again. I found this to be a riveting drama.



Rating:
Summary: keeps you guessing
Review: This movie is excellent. Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet bring out outstanding performances. You feel compelled to love David Gale even though he is a committed rapist. I love the direction of Alan Parker with the spinning camara and the words flashing as it dissolves from present to past. And toward the end, it keeps you guessing and a BIG surprise is at the end.