The Executioner's Song (VHS)

This movie was originally a Made-for-TV movie from the late 70's chronicling the life of serial killer Gary Gilmore. I loved this movie when I first saw it as I love true crime. It was adapted from Norman Mailer's book of the same name and I thought he was a great writer. It is also probably the best acting that I have seen from Tommy Lee Jones. He was great in this movie. My only dislike of this particular version of the film is that it is not the uncut version that I wanted and all nudity and some language has been removed. Otherwise, worth a watch.

I decided to purchase this product because I live in the area where the events in the movie took place. I like all the references to places that are near and dear to me but I wish they could have shown a little more scenery so that I had a better idea where they were filming.
This is a movie that I cannot consider all that enjoyable. Although I love Tommy Lee Jones, his portrayal of Gary Gilmore was so true to life as to adequately depict the depravity and lack of human decency this man lived. To say Gary Gilmore was troubled is a vast understatement. There is no way he could ever have contributed to society and his misery was ended in the most appropriate manner possible under the circumstances, saving the rest of us the trouble of mantaining him for the rest of his life and saving those close to him from the influence for evil that he exemplified. This is a movie I would not recommend unless, like me, it is kept for historical purpuses only.

After searching thrift stores locally, I finally found The Executioner's Song on EBAY and fortunately won the bid. After reading Norman Mailer's book last spring, I was anxious to see Tommy Lee Jones in that role. I watched it during the Christmas holidays (received it 12/24) so I wasn't able to watch it without a few interruptions. I liked it a lot, but need to sit and watch it through. I would recommend it to others, especially those who are interested in true crime.

Good film about a condemned murderer. Tommy Lee Jones gives a fine performance as the killer awaiting execution. Because of the demand made by Gary Gilmore to be executed by firing squad, this story made the headlines in its day.

I bought this because my friends mother wanted it. I was doing a favor for a friend really. And I liked it cause I got a great deal on the movie.