PimpinAinttEasy I am currently reading the "true life" novel on which this movie is based. The movie is a lot like the book - very simple and candid with scenes that are mostly devoid of narrative punctuation.The movie is based on a real life character called Gary Gilmore who decided to not defend himself in a murder trial. In fact, he asked for his own execution. Gilmore spent most of his life in jail and the film is mostly about how he tries to settle back into normal life in Utah when he is on parole. The film tells us a lot about the way of life within the predominantly Mormon community in Utah.The film is not as detailed as the book (which runs into more than a 1000 pages) and in fact leaves out a lot of good parts.The performances were satisfactory. Tommy Lee Jones was very good - he plays Gilmore like the sociopath that he was. Unfortunately the film has next to nothing about Gilmore's artistic inclinations - Gilmore was good at drawings and was well read. Rosanna Arquette plays the women half his age with whom he has an intense love affair (they even enter into a suicide pact when Gary is in jail). Eli Wallach and Christine Lahiti are very good as Gary's family. But none of the performances blew me away.There were a few scenes which jarred due to use of background music and did not fit in with the overall tone of the movie (like the scene where Gary has a fight with his cousin Brenda). I liked the country song played during the titles.There are many beautiful long shots of the Utah sunsets and used car lots.The final scenes where Gilmore is executed are quite frightening.(6/10)

feakes The Executioner's song is based on the Gary Gilmore case. Gary Gilmore murdered two innocent men in cold blood and when the courts found him guilty he was sentenced to death. When the chance of a appeal comes up giving Gilmore only 30 years. He decides to fight against it and accept his Execution in front of a Utah firing squad. Gilmore Wanted his freedom but if he could not have that then he wanted to die.Gary Gilmore was on 35 when he was paroled from prison after doing a 12 year sentence. By then Gilmore had spent more then half his life behind bars . When is released into his cousin Brenda's custody Gilmore finds Life on the outside to be different and difficult. Gilmore finds himself in a hurry . He wants money he wants love and he wants it NOW ! Gary only understands the way things work in prison. To him life on the outside is harder. When he meets Nicole a flighty blonde with kids and a woman who decides Gary is worth fighting for only then does his life start to turn around. But Gary has a issue of violence and of fear of losing the only sane thing in his life.When things don't start going right for them only then does Gary fall back on old habits and he adds a new weapon to his arsenal. Gary murders two men in cold blood after Nicole leaves him in terror fearing for her life. When Gary is arrested. He goes to court where he is found guilty .and sentenced to die the method is chosen by Gary and he chooses firing squad .When the lawyers file a appeal Gary becomes famous arguing that he wants to die. despite the people who argue that want him to live. Gary Gilmore finally gets his wish and pays for his crimes in Jan 1977 .by the Utah firing squad.Tommy Lee Jones always excellent in every role he takes Shines as Gary Gilmore. bring Gilmore's Jekyall and Hyde persona to life. Eli Wallach does a wonderful turn as Uncle Vern who at first wants to give Gary a chance then realizes Gary is nothing more then a rabid dog. Rosanna Arquette does such a god job here its hard to believe she was never a major star this movie shows her potential If you are a fan of the true crime genre . This one is a must watch classic and for very good reason. Its compelling and stays with you long after its over .

MarieGabrielle you may also be interested in the Mikhal Gilmore biography about his brother, Gary, and how they grew up in Oregon, being brutally abused by their father. Apparently, Gary Gilmore spent more time in juvenile detention homes than could be counted, and these institutions promoted the violent and hostile behavior which came to be seen by Gilmore as normal, even acceptable.This film is primarily a documentary; look for Eli Wallach as Gilmore's Uncle Vern, trying to help his nephew function in the world. In Salt Lake City, Utah, where most of the film takes place, there is a cold unforgiving environment, similar to the environment Gilmore grew up in. As he grew up during the depression, options were scarce. Hostility, anger and frustration led to physical abuse, acting out, and eventually, murder. Rosanna Arquette is believable as the long-suffering girlfriend of Gilmore, who refuses to face reality.This is an excellent film, due for a remake; perhaps Mikhal Gilmore could translate his book version into film. In real life, Gilmore's mother was devastated and traumatized, living in a trailer, mourning the horrible life her son had endured, a child who had no options, who grew up as an armed robber, and who finally demanded the state of Utah execute him in Draconian fashion. 9/10.

lib-4 What makes a criminal? As Gary Gilmore Tommy Lee Jones captures the enigma and dilemma of what should be done when one crosses over the line and commits murder. Roseanne Arquette also plays the part well of a woman attracted to bad men. The book was too long, the movie just right.