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The Life of David Gale (2003)

R  |   |  Crime, Drama, Thriller  |  21 February 2003 (USA)
7.5
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Ratings: 7.5/10 from 82,606 users   Metascore: 31/100
Reviews: 418 user | 138 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com

A man against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Barbara Kreuster
Constance Jones ...
Reporter A.J. Roberts
...
...
Lee Ritchey ...
Joe Mullarkey
...
...
...
Motel Waitress
Cindy Waite ...
Margie
...
...
Jesse De Luna ...
Supervising Guard
Vernon Grote ...
Door Guard
...
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Storyline

When anti-death-penalty activist David Gale is convicted and condemned to death for the murder of a colleague, reporter Bitsey Bloom sets out to learn the story behind Gale's crime. What she finds challenges her belief in Gale's guilt and, finally, in the justice system. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

The crime is clear. The truth is not.

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violent images, nudity, language and sexuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

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Language:

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Release Date:

21 February 2003 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Das Leben des David Gale  »

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$7,117,225 (USA) (21 February 2003)

Gross:

$205,747 (South Africa) (13 June 2003)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Kevin Spacey was the third choice to play David Gale. George Clooney and Nicolas Cage both rejected the part. Nicolas Cage had the script and gave it to Parker, but was already busy with other projects. See more »

Goofs

When Bitsey Bloom was watching the tape in the motel room before she asks Zack to go re-create the crime scene. A quick short close up of Zack sleeping showed him wearing a watch. Before and after this close up he was not wearing one. See more »

Quotes

Constance Harraway: The TA just finished transcribing all the governor's radio and TV comments. Listen to this gem: Journalist - "Governor, don't you think three executions in one week is a little excessive?" Governor - "I say let's bring them in, strap them down, and rock and roll."
David Gale: Oh, it's good to know our governor is in touch with his inner frat boy.
See more »

Connections

References The Eiger Sanction (1975) See more »

Soundtracks

Tiemblo
(A.T. Molina Remix) (1999)
Written by Elvis Crespo
Performed by Elvis Crespo
Courtesy of Sony Discos, Inc.
Under License from Sony Discos, Inc.
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Not perfect but emotionally riveting
23 February 2003 | by (L A.) – See all my reviews

If you're a fan of Kevin Spacey's, you will not be let down by "The Life of David Gale." Do not read reviews. Do not watch stuff about it on television. Just go see it and experience it for yourself. It's not a perfect film by any stretch (as many, MANY critics have been pointing out), but it does grab you and it does deliver.


76 of 135 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
Critique from Roger Ebert Congo39
The ending nullifies the entire point the film was trying to make. the-twist
So Gale basically committed...... jami1331
Is this movie pro- or anti- death penalty? ts_flanders
Plot Hole? matheusmagalhaes10
Why did Berlin do what she did? mdnicci
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