A thriller whose serious underpinnings are undermined by clunky plot mechanics and obtrusive stylistic flourishes, notably montages of significant words — ambition, self-sacrifice, objectivity, pain, honor, etc. — that precede its extended flashbacks. One-time academic wunderkind Dr. David Gale (Kevin Spacey), a convicted rapist-murderer, is about to be executed in Texas. Ironically, Gale and the victim, Constance Harraway (Laura Linney), were both committed advocates for Deathwatch, an anti-capital punishment group. Gale's lawyer (Leon Rippy) offers a deal to a "news" magazine: A six-hour interview with his client for a six-figure fee, with star reporter ...
Released:
2003
Rated:
R
Length:
130 mins