The Life of David Gale (2003)

This crime thriller evokes the many 1980s and 1990s classic plot twist films. That isn't to say that it is any less clever than its precursors, but it does use a well-used mechanic with its audience.

David Gale (Kevin Spacey) is on death row for a murder of a colleague. Ironically, both he and his colleague were unpopular advocates against capital punishment. A reporter (Kate Winslet) is called in to interview the prisoner just days prior to the execution. She begins to unravel the real story, but will she unravel it in time to save David's life or not?

The film presents four distinct culture clashes: midwestern vs. university vs. press vs. prison. This helps the viewer see the topic of capital punishment from varying perspectives and does a fair job of fleshing out the debate.

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