Maps of Movies
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Where The Life of David Gale says it takes place, and where it was really shot.
A Texas death row drama that was also shot in Barcelona's Plaça Reial, in a university that does not exist
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Scenes and places
The DeathWatch protest at the Capitol
A news report on the coming execution of the philosophy professor David Gale plays over a crowd chanting against the death penalty. The film opens on the case that will drive everything after it.
Set in A DeathWatch protest in Texas — Protesters demand an end to executions as a news report covers the coming execution of David Gale.
The seat of Texas state government, long a stage for demonstrations.
Filmed at Texas State Capitol, Austin — The French article says a protest scene was shot at the Capitol, where real protesters disturbed the crew; it does not say this is the opening protest. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Bitsey and Zack head for Huntsville
Journalist Bitsey Bloom and her aide Zack argue in a failing rental car on the way to interview Gale. Zack sums up the man they are going to see before they pull off the road.
Set in Road to Huntsville, Texas — Two news-magazine reporters drive toward Huntsville with car trouble. Google Maps · Apple Maps
A Texas prison town, home to the state's Huntsville Unit.
Filmed at Huntsville, Texas — The English and French articles both list Huntsville among the filming locations; no scene is tied to a street. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The death row interviews
On death row, Gale agrees to tell his side of the story to Bitsey in exchange for a large fee. Each visit opens a flashback, and she starts to doubt the evidence against him.
Set in Huntsville Unit — Where Gale awaits his execution and tells Bitsey his story across several visits. Google Maps · Apple Maps
The Texas prison unit where executions are carried out.
Filmed at Ellis Unit, Huntsville — Named in the English Wikipedia production section as a filming location; which scenes were shot there is not stated. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Filmed at Huntsville Unit, Huntsville — Named in the French Wikipedia filming section as a filming location; the English article names the Ellis Unit instead. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The graduation party at the University of Austin
At a graduation party Gale, head of the philosophy department, runs into Berlin, a graduate student who has just been expelled. Drink and a confrontation set off a false accusation against him.
Set in University of Austin (fictional) — The philosophy department where Gale teaches and where a graduation party takes place.
A made-up university, shot at real Texas campuses.
Filmed at University of Texas at Austin — The English and French articles list the University of Texas at Austin as a filming location; no scene is tied to a building. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Filmed at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville — Also listed in both articles as a filming location. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The televised debate with the Governor
Gale goes on television against the Governor and cannot name one innocent person executed on his watch. The loss costs him credibility.
Set in A television studio debate — Gale faces the Governor of Texas on a live television debate about the death penalty.
A live studio debate between an activist and a governor.
Sharon takes Jamie to Barcelona
After the accusation, Gale's wife Sharon takes their son to Spain and refuses contact. He is left alone with drink and a collapsing career.
Set in Barcelona, Spain — Gale's wife Sharon takes their son to Spain and cuts off contact. Google Maps · Apple Maps
Spain's second city, on the Mediterranean.
Filmed at Plaça Reial, Barcelona — The English and French articles list the Plaça Reial as a filming location; no scene is tied to the square. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Constance Harraway's death and the case in Austin
Constance Harraway, Gale's friend at DeathWatch, is found dead, and the physical evidence points at him. Gale is convicted and sentenced to death.
Set in Austin, Texas — Where Gale and Constance live and work, and where the case against Gale is built. Google Maps · Apple Maps
The Texas capital, home to the state legislature and a large university.
Filmed at Taylor, Texas — The French article lists the town of Taylor among the Texas filming locations; no scene is named. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Filmed at Austin, Texas — Austin is named as a filming city in both articles. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Filmed at Shepperton Studios, Surrey — Interior set scenes Google Maps · Apple Maps
Characters
- David Gale — A philosophy professor and death penalty opponent, now on death row in Texas.
- Bitsey Bloom — A news magazine reporter hired to hear Gale's story before his execution.
- Constance Harraway — A fellow DeathWatch activist and Gale's close friend.