The Life
of David Gale
is one of those films that sticks with you after viewing it,
like that warm full feeling after a delicious meal that leaves
you on the couch yawning and rubbing your belly. This film could
be mistaken for one based on a true story (although it isn’t),
however, the tale comes from the mind of Charles Randolph on his
first feature film screenplay.
David Gale
(Kevin Spacey) is a man on death row for the rape and murder of
his friend, and fellow death row abolitionist, Constance
Harraway (Laura Linney). During his last three days to live,
Gale invites journalist Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet) to hear his
side of the story in hopes of preserving his memory for his son.
It is through a series of flashbacks (intercut with montage
sequences using quick flashes) and pieces of video that we learn
of Gale’s story.
Bloom
states, "There is no such thing as truth, only perspective."
This line forms the backbone in a film that employs the point of
view technique to tell a unique story. The only truly omniscient
perspective in The Life of David Gale is the missing
videotape. We witness everything through Bloom’s understanding
of events as told to her by David Gale; it is only when pieces
of videotape are found that we get a different perspective on
Gale’s story. Occasionally, portions of the tape are discovered
which lead to a new, not yet full understanding of the truth.
The acting
alone makes this film worth viewing. Kevin Spacey as always
delivers a dead on performance in his everyman persona. He has
the unique ability to display a rainbow of emotions with one
smirk, which is invaluable to portray a character facing such
heinously ironic circumstances. Laura Linney and Kate Winslet
compliment Spacey perfectly. Linney’s screen time with Spacey is
solely during the flashbacks. Although Winslet’s only
interaction with Spacey is in a guarded visiting room, there is
still much energy flowing between the two.
Randolph
has come up with a story that I find remarkable. He
intelligently questions Capital Punishment without snobbishly
rubbing our face in holier-than-thou ideals. I look to film
first and foremost for entertainment; however I am truly happy
when I leave the theater not only entertained, but also looking
at things from a different perspective. My views may not have
been changed, but it never hurts to have a fresh look at things.
I couldn’t
help but think of the "Central Park Rapists" during this film.
This crime also calls into question the legal system and
perspective. Is one really to believe taped confessions? How
much of the story is truly told in front of the camera and who
is manipulating what the camera sees? Or do we trust DNA
evidence from a case over eleven years old? I’m not trying to
start a debate on this infamous case; the outcome has already
been decided for the second time. I’m pointing out that the
issues brought up in The Life of David Gale are very
pertinent.
The Life
of David Gale
could have gone on; the issue of perspective is never fully
resolved in my opinion. Instead of continuing, the film
brilliantly ends by simply turning the camera off. We are left
with a blank screen and answers rushing at us.
