The Life of David Gale **** (2003, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney) – Classic Movie Review 1877

Kevin Spacey’s on top silkily sinister form as David Gale, a one-time campaigner against the death penalty, who is now a Death Row prisoner granting a final interview to keen young reporter Bitsey Bloom (played by Kate Winslet). But what’s David Gale up to?

Laura Linney plays Spacey’s fellow activist colleague Constance Harraway, whom he has been convicted of raping and murdering.

Director Alan Parker’s engrossing and intelligent 2003 thriller is largely told in extended flashbacks. It simmers nicely and then hots up for a scalding finish that takes you by surprise. The involving, teasing screenplay is written by Charles Randolph.

Gabriel Mann, Rhona Mitra, Leon Rippy, Matt Craven and Melissa McCarthy are also in the cast.

By 2014, it was Alan Parker’s last film as director.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1877

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