Life of David Gale (2003)

The Life of David Gale (2003)
Director : Alan Parker
Cast : Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney
Tagline : The crime is clear. The truth is not.

I love this movie. As I was clearing a whole bunch of unwatched DVDs, I stumbled upon this little gem (I think it belongs to my best pal Sherry) which I didn't manage to watch using my old Akira DVD player (oh... Philip is good.... play ANYTHING). It had been quite awhile I didn't get the euphoria of watching a good movie, gripped by the tight plot and constantly asking what the ending will be etc and this just give all those to me.. in one go! And it's definitely the MOST underrated movie at all time as it didn't get anything, not even nomination in Golden Globe or Oscar!!!!!!!! Not only that; the general reception of the movie was poor too. Roger Ebert, the famous movie critic gave NO star to this and I just attribute this general poor reviews was due to the perspective of the movie trying to manipulate or exploit the issue of capital penalty. Go see for yourself!

Kevin Spacey is in his element and it's one of his subtly strongest performance. I forgive him for taking the villain role in Superman (or is it Spiderman?) if he keeps on taking roles like David. But of course, money is needed to do theatre. Kate Winslet and Laura Linney are having miles and miles of differences as actors but they shared one common trait, i.e. they are both very good in what they're doing. Winslet managed to be American (remember, this is before Revolutionary Road) and somehow I feel most British actresses have more trainings and kinda well prepared. Linney while being an American actress broke all the stereotype I had in my mind and I always enjoy her movies though I really cannot understand her taking on projects such as The Nanny Diaries with Scarlett Johannsen but I guess she gotta make some money too right?

Some interesting trivia; George Clooney and Nicholas Cage were the earliest choice for the role of David and THANK GOD they turned it down though Cage stayed as producer. Spacey is the best fit and I still get chills from his turn in The Usual Suspects. And Nicole Kidman was the first choice for Winslet role????? I mean, what happen to the producers and directors?

Memorable Quotes :

[Governor Hardin and David Gale are engaged in a debate on Batter's Box]
Governor Hardin: Alan (the debate moderator), let me say something I always say and I'm gonna keep on saying. And that is that I HATE killin'. That's why my administration is willing to kill to stop it.
David Gale: So, you don't subscribe to the idea that 'a good state is the one that protects its most despised members?'
Governor Hardin: It's a nice liberal idea. But, like most nice liberal ideas, naive.
David Gale: It's a quote from you, Governor. From your first state attorney campaign
Governor Hardin: [flustered] You've got me, Professor. But let me, in my defense, offer YOU a quote. Winston Churchill: 'If you're not a liberal at twenty, you have no heart, if you're still a liberal at thirty, you've got no brain.'
[studio audience laughs]
David Gale: So, basically, you feel, to choose another quote, 'society must be cleansed of elements which represent its own death.'
Governor Hardin: Well, yes. I'd have to agree.
[laughs]
Governor Hardin: Did I say that too?
David Gale: No, that was Hitler.

I couldn't help but thinking how interesting it will be if we can see politicians/activists/interested public debate on TV on policy and stuff but yeah... it's wishful thinking.

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David Gale: [Giving a lecture to his college students] Fantasies have to be unrealistic. Because the minute- the second- that you get what you want, you don't- you can't- want it anymore.

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Bitsey Bloom : Hate is no fun, if you keep it to yourself

And we are wondering why people gossip???

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David Gale: [while drunk] Socrates was ugly, Plato was fat, and, um, and Aristotle was a prissy dresser!

It's time to dig out the Greek philosophy text book!!!!!!!!