Shot in the Heart (2001)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(288 ratings)

This gripping drama is based on the real-life story of Mikal Gilmore, a respected journalist whose brother Gary Gilmore was a felon convicted of murder. In 1977, after he was sentenced to death, Gary Gilmore generated international controversy when he demanded that his lawyers call off all attempts… More This gripping drama is based on the real-life story of Mikal Gilmore, a respected journalist whose brother Gary Gilmore was a felon convicted of murder. In 1977, after he was sentenced to death, Gary Gilmore generated international controversy when he demanded that his lawyers call off all attempts to appeal his sentence and requested that his execution be carried out as quickly as possible. As activists for and against the issue of capital punishment debated Gilmore's demand, his brothers Frank and Mikal stepped forward to request a stay of execution, in hopes of forestalling their brother's death despite his public requests. Based on the book of the same name by Mikal Gilmore, Shot in the Heart examines the close, if uneasy, bond between the Gilmore brothers, and the family history of abuse and violence that Mikal believed helped shape his brother into a killer. Shot in the Heart stars Giovanni Ribisi, Eric Bogosian, Lee Tergesen, Amy Madigan, and Sam Shepard; produced for the premium-cable service HBO, Shot in the Heart first aired on October 13, 2001. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Agnieszka Holland
Written By: Frank Pugliese
Genres: Drama, Television, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Mar 12, 2002
Studio: HBO Films

Critic Reviews

John Anderson, Newsday
Explores an oft-exploited case with exquisite understanding and care.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Puts Gary Gilmore's tragic life into perspective, helping explain why it went so far amiss.
Tim Goodman, San Francisco Chronicle
Only a writer as talented as Mikal Gilmore could tell a story that punches you in the gut about every five seconds and yet leaves you hoping for more.
Julie Salamon, New York Times
A bleak, haunting movie.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Energetically directed from Frank Pugliese's deft script by Agnieszka Holland.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Quite a morbid picture, but the performances save it
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Delves deeply into the haunted life of the Gilmore family and finds a chronicle of death foretold.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Audrey L

If you're a Ribisi fan you must see this neglected little movie. He plays the brother of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore (The Executioner's Song) .Based on the book by Gilmore's brother.Ribisi is amazing in the range and depth of his performance.