Directed by: Alan Parker
Written by: Charles Randolph
Produced by: Alan Parker, Nicolas Cage, Nigel Sinclair
Other cast: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann
Release date: February 21, 2003
Genre: Drama
Running time: 130 minutes
When anti-death-penalty activist David Gale is convicted and condemned to death for the murder of a colleague, reporter Bitsey Bloom sets out to learn the story behind Gale's crime. What she finds challenges her belief in Gale's guilt and, finally, in the justice system.
Taglines:
Trivia:
Filming of a death penalty protest scene at the Texas State Capitol was briefly disrupted by the arrival of a group of real political protesters.
The diner scene on the morning after Bloom and Stemmons arrive in Texas was originally shot at a different diner. During the original shooting, they were hit by a tornado and the cast and crew had to huddle together in the kitchen until the tornado passed overhead.
Nicole Kidman was the original choice to play Bitsey, but she turned down the role.
Many of the protest scenes and scenes inside the penitentiary where filmed on location in Huntsville Texas. All of the extras are local citizens including actual Correctional Officers who simply wore their personal uniforms for filming.
Character Quotes:
“ You know you are in the bible belt when there are more churches than Starbucks.”
“Hate’s no fun if you keep it to yourself.”
“Of course he sympathizes with murderers… he is one!”
