For Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey to tour the country doing a Q&A with audiences following a screening of The Life of David Gale, his newest film about capital punishment, he must feel it’s pretty special. Still, I don’t think Spacey is doing this to take a stand on the subject. "There is always a lot of debate on both sides of the issue," he said. "But there is something broken about a system that spends $2 million to put someone to death, and it doesn’t seem to be a deterrent," he said.

Spacey plays the fictitious character David Gale, a professor and anti-capital punishment advocate. Gale is part of a group headed by Connie (Laura Linney) with assistance from her ex-boyfriend Leon (Braxton Belyeu). The story begins with Gale only hours from dying in the gas chamber for rape and murder. He beckons Bitsy Bloom, (Kate Winslet) an eager-beaver newspaper journalist, to the Walls death row section of the Huntsville prison to tell his tale.

Since the film flashes back on Gale’s story about how he got to prison, Winslet’s role allows little room for showcasing her acting skill. She listens, runs and frets a lot. "But she does a remarkable job," Spacey commented.

Working with Linney, who received an Oscar nomination for her powerful performance in You Can Count On Me, Spacey said, "Was a very enjoyable experience. She’s really talented."

When Spacey considers a film, the cast is always part of his  decision. "Who is going to play the other parts and who the director is a key factor, but I also look at the script," he explained. "One thing I ask myself is if the movie is good enough to watch the second time."

Mention Kevin Spacey and most fans recall his work in Usual Suspects, a film that takes several screenings to catch all the twists. The Life of David Gale seems similar to Suspects in that the story points one way while heading another. However, if one is astute, the tracks are easier to follow here than in Suspects, and the real strength of the film lies in the cast.

Spacey enjoys playing a character who comes across as complex, not black or white. "A lot of people are clearly flawed and have a problem making the right decision." He’s also no stranger to what makes a good story and has started his own production company while seeking out fresh new talent.

"There’s a lot of talented people out there that never get a chance to have someone look at their work," said Spacey.

And surprise came early this year in the announcement that Spacey will be taking on a new gig – as the director of the London’s Old Vic Theater. "I’m really looking forward to that. I like how you can ‘take a breath’ on the stage and make a connection to the audience." Film fans should not worry, he plans to continue making movies as well.

The highly acclaimed actor has made many connections to his audience through his work in such films as L.A. Confidential, K-Pax, The Shipping News – and, of course, winning the Oscar as the uneven father in American Beauty. Spacey has worked so much in the last few years, he is now in the midst of a year off. "I don’t know how I had time to work," he said with his wry smile. "I can’t wait to go back to work – and get some sleep."

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated "R" for violent images, nudity, language and sexuality.)