Watch The Executioner's Song

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Norman Mailer, The Executioner's Song is a gripping and emotional drama film that tells the true story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who became the first person in the United States to be executed after the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. Tommy Lee Jones delivers a masterful performance as Gilmore, who is portrayed as a deeply troubled and self-destructive man consumed by a mixture of rage, despair, and a longing for redemption. The story traces Gilmore's life from his release from prison in Oregon in 1976 to his execution by firing squad in Utah just a few months later.

Throughout the film, we see Gilmore struggling to come to terms with the demons that have haunted him for his entire life. He falls in love with Nicole Baker, played by Rosanna Arquette, a young woman from a troubled family who also carries her own baggage of past traumas and mistakes. Gilmore's love for Baker imbues the film with a powerful sense of pathos and raises fundamental questions about the nature of moral responsibility and human redemption.

At the same time, The Executioner's Song also serves as a harrowing indictment of the U.S. criminal justice system and the death penalty in particular. As Gilmore languishes on death row, his case becomes a political battleground for activists and politicians alike, raising complex ethical and legal questions about the nature of justice and the state's role in administering punishment.

Christine Lahti gives a powerful supporting performance as Nicole's mother, Brenda, who tries to save her daughter from the downward spiral of drugs and violence that threatens to consume her. Lahti's performance is both subtle and nuanced, providing a moving portrayal of a mother's love and the lengths to which she will go to protect her child.

Throughout the film, director Lawrence Schiller employs a gritty, realistic style that serves to heighten the sense of tension and urgency in the story. The use of handheld cameras and naturalistic lighting gives the film the feel of a documentary, amplifying the sense of immediacy and authenticity.

Taken as a whole, The Executioner's Song is a powerful and unforgettable film that forces the viewer to confront complex and challenging ethical questions about justice, morality, and the human condition. Jones and Arquette deliver outstanding performances, anchoring the film with their emotional intensity and unwavering commitment to their characters. Lahti, too, brings depth and nuance to her supporting role, enriching the story with a meaningful sense of pathos.

Ultimately, The Executioner's Song is a film that resonates long after the end credits have rolled, forcing the viewer to grapple with the weight of the past and the complexities of the present. It is a masterful work of filmmaking that stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human story.