The Executioner's Song (1982)

Sadly Over-hyped

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

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 .

Some great country music including:Talk Good Boogie; Get it On Again; So Good Woman; This Time; Defying Gravity (Executioner's Song); Are You Ready for the Countryall performed by Waylon Jennings.Also,One Piece at a Time Johnny CashThere's a few more that I can't identify. Certainly a good film but made better by having a decent soundtrackIf anyone has a more complete soundtrack listing please share it. The movie is out on DVD but there's also another cut that may have more soundtrack music.

I was in Utah when they filmed this movie. I remember seeing the flurry of video trucks situated around the filming sites. More than once I was accidentally captured in some of the scenes but, of course, they were cut from the final draft. I thought Tommy Lee Jones did an excellent job acting. It was really brilliant. In fact all the actors were great. I happen to know that neither of the widows got any money from the making of this movie. Norman Mailer's excuse: the movie did not make enough money at the box office here is North America or in Europe. nor on video sales. Maybe so. Mr. Mailer did not show that he was too concerned, though. I knew Ben Bushnell and especially his wife, Debbie. Before she met Ben, she use to send me Green pancakes on my LDS mission in Minnesota (personal joke). We were friends from the LDS Institute of Religion across from Pasadena City College for years. Ben was a 6'5" gentle Ben. He was one of the "good guys" and showed great dedication to his God, family, and church. The funeral in South Pasadena was closed casket for a reason. Debbie didn't notice me at the funeral. She didn't notice anyone there. She was still in great shock. She didn't show any emotions until I approached her at the graveside services. She looked at me and then broke down sobbing. It was too much for me, also. Debbie is a courageous survivor and mother. Gary Gilmore was a low-life who did care who he killed & did not deserve recognition.

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.