The Life of David Gale

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The Life of David Gale

R

2003

2h 10m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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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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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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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 28, 2010

2/5

An overripe melodrama -- a time waster.

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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.

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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.

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Glenn Dunks

Junkee

Jan 13, 2014

D

...one of the most offensively cheap and concocted 'twist' endings of all time

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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.

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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!

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Samora W

@RT00392605 May 11, 2026

Brilliant movie, they don't make them like this anymore.... Forget the 19%

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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

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Gi S

@Gistevenn Apr 17, 2026

Great acting performances by kevin spacey & kate winslet.

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Liesl L.

@liesll Jan 19, 2026

I think this was a well told story and had great intrigue. My only criticism is the hammy titles and transitions.

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Sams K

@RT65506530 Aug 27, 2024

This one hits hard! Great film with a very deep message.

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Alan Parker

Director

Kevin Spacey

David Gale

Kate Winslet

Elizabeth "Bitsey" Bloom

Laura Linney

Constance Harraway

Gabriel Mann

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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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