Life of David Gale (2003)
in Movies ·
Watched Life of David Gale by Alan Parker.
I walked away feeling pretty disappointed, and honestly, I have to wonder why... mostly because I expected much more from Alan Parker. It wasn't even about the twist at the end or the actual plot itself. To me, the story isn't usually what matters most; it’s the execution. Any narrative can be tedious or brilliant depending on how it's framed. Even when there isn't much of a story to speak of, a film can still be exceptional if handled right...
Now, I don't want to get carried away or lecture anyone on Mr. Parker's penchant for tackling "socially conscious" themes—even if he is British rather than American—but I should mention this is a film centered on the death penalty...
Most people will probably catch onto the central point early on, though that's beside the point; I was hoping the journey toward that revelation would make the runtime worthwhile, but... nothing. Absolutely nothing. Neither Kevin Spacey, nor Laura Linney, nor Winslet, nor even Parker's own sons who composed the score could manage to turn this into something compelling.
It's a shame, really, considering Parker doesn't release films often enough to justify letting one slip by like this...
I walked away feeling pretty disappointed, and honestly, I have to wonder why... mostly because I expected much more from Alan Parker. It wasn't even about the twist at the end or the actual plot itself. To me, the story isn't usually what matters most; it’s the execution. Any narrative can be tedious or brilliant depending on how it's framed. Even when there isn't much of a story to speak of, a film can still be exceptional if handled right...
Now, I don't want to get carried away or lecture anyone on Mr. Parker's penchant for tackling "socially conscious" themes—even if he is British rather than American—but I should mention this is a film centered on the death penalty...
Most people will probably catch onto the central point early on, though that's beside the point; I was hoping the journey toward that revelation would make the runtime worthwhile, but... nothing. Absolutely nothing. Neither Kevin Spacey, nor Laura Linney, nor Winslet, nor even Parker's own sons who composed the score could manage to turn this into something compelling.
It's a shame, really, considering Parker doesn't release films often enough to justify letting one slip by like this...