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The Life of David Gale

Play trailer Poster for The Life of David Gale R 2003 2h 10m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
19% Tomatometer 155 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
David Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a man who has tried hard to live by his principles but in a bizarre twist of fate, 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 (Laura Linney). With only three days before his scheduled execution, Gale agrees to give reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet) the exclusive interview she's been chasing.
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The Life of David Gale

The Life of David Gale

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Critics Consensus

Instead of offering a convincing argument against the death penalty, this implausible, convoluted thriller pounds the viewer over the head with its message.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 28, 2010
2/5
An overripe melodrama -- a time waster. Go to Full Review
David Edelstein Slate Apr 22, 2003
It would take an intellect far superior to mine to explain the rationale -- or, for that matter, the release -- of David Gale. Go to Full Review
Andrew Sarris Observer Apr 4, 2003
I ended up feeling sorry for Mr. Spacey, Ms. Winslet and Ms. Linney, so contrived was the foolishness in which they found themselves embroiled. Go to Full Review
Glenn Dunks Junkee Jan 13, 2014
D
...one of the most offensively cheap and concocted 'twist' endings of all time Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Feb 18, 2013
C
Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009
Manages to offend the same people it seeks to defend with the most ridiculous and nonsensical endings that I've ever seen. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Valeria D @RT53551201 12 hrs ago This film addresses a very conflicting and sensitive topic - the death penalty. In the story, David Gale sitting in prison and before he is sentenced to death for murder, he unexpectedly decides to give an interview to a journalist. As David tells his story, we are introduced to all the characters in the film and shown the events that took place. I liked this film because it has an interesting plot and a bit of intrigue at the end. This film gives us an opportunity to look at the issue of the death penalty from a different perspective and to recognize the value and importance of human life. Especially i want to mention the cast of actors’, it was an exellent work! See more Robert P @Superbad 6 days ago The Life of David Gale = a *4* star movie! See more Martin S @Martin007 Aug 31, 2026 I see the viewers saying this movie is not good and i dont get it. The life of david gale is one of the best movies ive ever seen besides godfather scarface american beauty and a few. It has absolutely everything. If u want that thriller drama and that moody dramatic atmosphere this is it. The ending has the perfect emotional payoff. And the twists are absolutely perfect. The ending will leave you emotionally shocked. Kevin spacey is absolutely amazing. I wont forget kate winslet...Absolutely a must watch! See more Samora W @RT00392605 May 11, 2026 Brilliant movie, they don't make them like this anymore.... Forget the 19% See more thiago S @Thiagostone May 1, 2026 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Gi S @Gistevenn Apr 17, 2026 Great acting performances by kevin spacey & kate winslet. See more Read all reviews
The Life of David Gale

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Movie Info

Synopsis David Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a man who has tried hard to live by his principles but in a bizarre twist of fate, 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 (Laura Linney). With only three days before his scheduled execution, Gale agrees to give reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet) the exclusive interview she's been chasing.
Director
Alan Parker
Producer
Alan Parker, Nicolas Cage
Screenwriter
Charles Randolph
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Saturn Films, InterMedia Film Equities Ltd.
Rating
R (Nudity|Language|Sexuality|Violent Images)
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 21, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 10, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$19.6M
Runtime
2h 10m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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