Dead Man Out

This curious American television movie was an international co-production between Granada Television and HBO.

It was a time when many ITV companies had lofty ambitions to branch out from just domestic television in Britain. Hence even dipping their toes in making movies for cinema.

Despite some strong language, this is for cable television. It is essentially a two hander.

Ben (Ruben Blades) is the Diner Slayer, who killed four people. He has been in death row for eight years. After all the appeals and stays of execution. Now Ben insane and if that is the case. An insane convict cannot be executed.

Dr Alex Marsh (Donald Glover) has been called in by the state. He is a psychiatrist and is job is to evaluate Ben. If Dr Marsh is of the opinion that Ben is sane, then he can be executed.

First he needs to get through to Ben. He is violent and uncooperative. Not communicating. Eventually Dr Marsh gets through but then, he knows that he will send Ben to his death.

A lot of the psychological impact is lost when Ben comes out of his shell. By then you get the feeling he is alright and just trying it on. It was probably an overdramatic ending. At least both leads give thoughtful performances.

The climax is Ben taking matters in his own hands. Especially after another prisoner Calvin Fredricks (Samuel L Jackson) on death row is sent to the electric chair.