If you have the opportunity to see the movie "The Life of David Gale", do it! Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, and Laura Linney, even without a strong plot this movie would be worth seeing. As it is, the plot is strong indeed. Interest is grabbed from the opening scene through the final credits.

The story takes place in Texas, one of the states where execution is utilized in criminal cases. Kevin Spacey portrays David Gale, an activist against capitol punishment. Laura Linney is cast as good friend and colleague Constance Harraway. Kate Winslet plays journalist Bitsey Bloom, selected to interview David during his last week on death row.

Bitsey is offered the chance to conduct three 2 hour interview sessions with David as he awaits his execution for the rape and murder of Constance. She believes him guilty, as do most. The evidence against him is substantial. Constance was murdered in a fashion that David had mentioned in one of his books, his fingerprints are found on the plastic bag secured over her head, his semen is found inside her.

The movie plays out in flashbacks as Bitsey interviews David. You learn that he is a brilliant professor zealously opposed to the death penalty, but let's his own ego become a detriment to his cause. He is also an alcoholic and lost his wife and son when he was previously accused of raping a former student. A bit cliche, yes, but this is forgivable.

As David's story unfolds, Bitsey begins to doubt his guilt and her interview becomes an investigation into what really happened to Constance. The mysterious cowboy stalking her and her intern, the video tape that is put in her hotel room, and the actions of David's attorney during his trials turn a philosophical documentary into an intriguing thriller. The climax of the movie is one plot twist after another. Definitely worth the $3.99 rental price.