Recount (TV movie)

HBO couldn't resist, in this election year, to make a definitive film about the 2000 election nuttiness. Even though it might not be fairly balanced, it's really good. They skip over most of the election to just what happened after Election Day, and though it is a great ensemble cast, the protagonist is clearly Kevin Spacey. Ah, I missed the Spaceman. Really bad. He's excellent as Ron Klain, a guy who helped Gore through the recount even as he was having issues with the VP. On his side are Dennis Leary, John Hurt, and Ed Begley Jr. (natch). The opposing side comes with Tom Wilkinson, who plays James Baker a little bit too boss-villain-y, and Laura Dern, who makes Katherine Harris look overwhelmed. Bob Balaban is the only nice guy on the GOP side. I mean, I felt it could be real, but I'm biased.

Like I said, it's not exactly a balanced story, but they are trying to paint the Dems as underdogs rising up in adversity. They had to push through public outrage and lots of legal difficulties, and they never had the "lead" as reported by media, which hurt. The film touches on the voter discrimination problems, but doesn't accuse too much. The worst facet probably is that the Republicans basically paid for their protesters and then encouraged them to riot in the local voting offices. This claim has been made before, so who knows. It brought back some bad memories for me, and of course, the last 8 years kinda... well, you know.

It may not be fair, but it's really good, and it's a great return for Spacey.

The Life of David Gale

Capital punishment remains one of the most controversial political subjects in the country, but if you’re looking for insightful commentary, The Life of David Gale may be a disappointment. Kevin Spacey’s 2003 film is suspenseful and engaging, but lacking in political depth. I hadn't seen this, but wanted to familiarize myself with all of Spacey's work.
Spacey stars as David Gale, a Texas college professor and anti-death penalty activist. Ironically, he sits on death row after being convicted of murder. His alleged victim, played by Laura Linney, is a friend and fellow activist. The story begins when he agrees to an interview with famed reporter Bitsey Bloom, ably managed by Kate Winslet. During the week before his execution, Gale must convince Bloom that he has been framed. Much of the film consists of flashbacks to the time before the murder. As Gale discloses his story, Bloom starts to believe him and the suspense rises. Bloom’s discoveries lead to a shocking finish.
Director Alan Parker chooses to focus more on the suspense and the shock surrounding the murder mystery, rather than on the controversial subject of capital punishment. Because of this, the movie plays out like a typical thriller, not something probing like Dead Man Walking. Still, it has its philosophical moments, and the acting shines. Spacey carries a lot of the movie on his portrayal of the main character, and as he’s shown before, he is up to the task. Linney performs well as his friend and alleged victim. The Life of David Gale is undoubtedly captivating and entertaining, but on a different level than what one might expect in a film about capital punishment.