Rated R for sexuality, nudity, violence and language.
144 Minutes
Written By: Jonathan Lemkin
Directed By: Taylor Hackford
Staring: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Connie Nielson, Heather Matarzarro, and James Saitio
Why not? I’m here on the ground with my nose in it since the whole thing began. I’ve nurtured every sensation man’s been inspired to have. I cared about what he wanted and I never judged him. Why? Because I never rejected him. In spite of all his imperfections, I’m a fan of man! I’m a humanist. Maybe the last humanist. -John Milton
Review:
The Devils Advocate is not Rosemary’s Baby, nor is it trying to be. It conquers a dark topic with the attitude of Milton himself. He is a humorist reveling in his power, yet has a deep acknowledgment of his wickedness. There is no question this film has a very powerful feel about it. With an amazing set design and clever script, a thriving cast speaking elegant dialogue, The Devils Advocate was one of the most fun movies to get caught up in during 1997. With incredible design that featured a rooftop garden and waterfall that seemed to stop yet continue on, to the scenes with a fire purposely set behind Pacino, to Milton’s vast office; everything was stunning to look at.
Kevin and Mary Ann Lomax are the most adorable set of Southern Newlyweds. Kevin being a successful lawyer that seems to have a knack for picking the right jury is approached by some big shots from Manhattan to leave his small time position to work for their enormous conglomerate. His wife Mary Ann is just about the most infectious and beautiful blonde wife who couldn’t be more supportive of her husbands success. When Kevin signs the papers to a brand new beautiful Co-Op and his contract with the CEO, John Milton, he doesn’t realize he’s sold much more than his time and dedication.
The allusions to Milton’s “identity” are all a lot of fun, even though you kind of get the idea of who and what he is from the title, and since this isn’t a newer movie, word of mouth gets around. Nonetheless, it’s still a good time to search for the subtle clues available to your new and fresh viewer.
The imagery of Charlize Theron from bright, beautiful and a ray of pure light that transforms into this miserable, darkness, contorted being as the only one who saw and resisted the evil for what it was, was truly remarkable to view. The empathy her character evokes is the where the film changes from a dark melodrama into something a lot deeper to engage in.
Keanu Reeves has lasted as a pretty successful actor for a long time in the business because he chooses his roles wisely. (Mostly) The role as Kevin Lomax offered him the opportunity to perform as the straight guy, without any real necessary overdoing it. Some of his surfer mantra actually played to his advantage as the overly ambitious, yet naive Lomax. Coupled against him was the brilliantly cast Al Pacino. Pacino as Milton in this film was not out just to seduce Lomax, he was out to seduce anyone who was watching the movie, and on this end, he was very successful. As far as glorified hedonists go Milton is the best example I can think of. He takes what he wants, does as he pleases, and makes no apologies for it. In fact he enjoys rubbing his grandeur in the proverbial face of the system and those that oppose him. His mockery is another aspect of his character that is so intriguing, because despite his bombastic ego, no one has stopped him.
This escapade into the world of devilry and lawyering rolled together as one pokes it’s fun quickly and gently and delves right into the sadistic darkness of evil. This movie goes beyond enjoyable and gets recommended as a necessary purchase. Al Pacino performs some of the most fun character work in many years, with a script full of ingenuity and visuals to drown your eyes in, this is an amazing and entertaining drama.
This movie left an impression surely, though I won’t categorize it as entertaining. I agree, this was one of Keanu’s best roles, and Charlize was pretty effective as the fresh faced small town girl. Her transformation throughout is heartbreaking to watch, I think she’s key in making this more than a suspense thriller but one that lingers in your mind and makes you think that evil is real… and it’s got the power of seduction like no other.
The scariest part for me is actually the subtle scene where Mary Ann goes shopping with the rich lawyers’ wives and she saw a brief reflection of one of them in the mirror that revealed her true, frightening self. I jumped out of my seat every single time!
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It does kind of get under your skin, and I think the brilliance of it is that you don’t anticipate it to do so. With Keanu and Pacino you don’t necessarily expect some of the subtle undertones that play out so nicely as you pointed out. Some of the foreshadowing is a bit obvious as well, but it’s damn fun and it’s ALL over the film when you re-watch it.
Great review, Heather, on a great film. I’ve watched this numerous times, mainly for Pacino’s mesmerising performance (is there anything this man cannot do?), and I’d also respectfully disagree with RTM’s comment above. I think Devil’s Advocate IS entertaining, it does exactly what its meant to do, and that’s shock, scare and make you think. Probably my favourite Pacino performance in modern times (or at least second only to Heat) and a genuinely creepy movie, which works on so many levels it’s scary!!!
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It comes off as a superficial film with seductive cinematography and Pacino’s over the top (in a good way) performance, but as you pointed out, there is a lot more to it than that. It’s an updated version of a lot of older horror flicks like The Omen or Rosemary’s baby, with the slow deliberate pacing, but in the end, it brings new innovation to the table, compelling characters, and most importantly is surprisingly creepy and scary!
God, as much as keanu tried to kill this film with his awful, hackneyed accent and phony character-work, it still is a fun film to watch. Pacino gets to go off, which is always great to watch. I agree with your assessment on him here. Pound for pound, I still think he’s our greatest living actor. A nice ending here too.
I loved that Pacino just got to go crazy and it worked for him in this. He’s certainly one of cinema’s greatest contributors over time, and this is one of my fondest roles of his in memory, just because it was so right for him.
Who else (besides Jack) could play Satan so convincingly?
Fitz recently posted..
I know since the 90′s Pacino has gotten ripped for his yelling and screaming and bonkers performances, but it worked here, and Jack has until the last ten years or so been subject to his own stereotyping with roles, but I agree that the two of them are probably the best Satan’s ever ideally cast, with exception of Constantine. That was epic.
Stormare rocked that role.
Fitz recently posted..
Great review, Heather.
Director Taylor Hackford would later get accolades for directing Ray, but I’m personally more fond of his work here and on Dolores Claiborne where he manages some very sinister atmosphere, mostly among mundane settings.
I remember seeing this one at the theater in 1997, I believe it was back to back with I Know What You Did Last Summer.
I didn’t care much for Summer, which seemed to rev up and then just stall, but Advocate creeps up on you, little by little. I think the production design is quite nearly the star of the show, with Pacino and Theron pulling in second place. Keanu isn’t great, but he does his job here. Whenever he’s placed in front of fantastical elements—an artificial world, or say, the devil—his blank slate registers confusion that kind of seems real considering the circumstances.
Although I probably could have done without the ‘boo’ moments surrounding the demon faces and a little less of the lurid elements of the plot—they definitely add to the superficial nature of what is, at heart, a thoughtful story—I have to give everyone involved kudos for making something that sticks with you.
That final scene, and Pacino’s line delivery, right before ‘Fade to Black’ starts up is one of my favorite endings in modern horror movies. They totally nailed that.
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I definitely agree there was a little cheese effect added, which is really the only thing that stopped me from giving this four stars (and Keanu’s in and out accent, but that I could have turned my head away from)but this was certainly one of the best movies in it’s genre in the 90′s, and is still incredibly enjoyable to watch.
I wanna make a Kai sandwich with the frizzy haired biatches in this film!
Did you rewatch this cuz of THE GAME?
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It reminded me of it, and just thinking of the Pacino roles where his secondary half and “yelling” Pacino acting came through. Certainly one of my favorite roles of his in the last twenty years. And one of the few movies I really love Keanu in. Damn that Connie Nielson tripping me up.
The sets look great, but the whole ending had me turn my head sideways, even though this is a surprisingly good film.
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I saw it in the theater and definitely remember walking out of the theater going, “Holy Crap!”
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I turn this off whenever I see it because there are only three non-action flicks I can stand to see Keanu Reeves “act” in (Dangerous Liaisons, Parenthood and Something’s Gotta Give; in that order).
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Andrew, give it a shot and Keanu some mercy here. He drives me crazy a good portion of the time too, but this and Constantine are well worth your time and energy and will make it to that short list, mostly because there isn’t too much acting required.
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I’m ridiculously close-minded like that…but Charlize does look gorgeous in that photo…and it IS Al P.
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Loved this and you can really see how Pacino revels in his role. It is perfectly cast and Reeves and Pacino work so well together. I thought it was thoroughly entertaining and the type of movie that I could watch again and again. I have to say though I didn’t necessarily find it scary or creepy like others.
Olive recently posted..
I found the theme itself to be eerie rather than any individual event. One of those flicks that are more inclined to linger with you for some time rather than get you at the moment. But personally scary? I might agree with you there.
I remember seeing this movie for the first time and saying to myself “Wow, Ashley Judd got really freakin’ hot!” It wasn’t until a week later that I realized my mistake. Could this have been Pacino’s last hurrah to be bellowing and menacing before it got all too familiar?
Hahahahaha………..Ashley Judd is kinda a poor woman’s Charlize Theron, acting and hotwise, though Ashley Judd is rather lovely.
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Ashley Judd is just a poor woman. As in “She has potential, but she stars in horrible stuff. Poor woman.”
Hmmm, that was mean, wasn’t it?
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Hmmm, well the truth hurts yeah?
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Heather, I don’t know what it is but whenever I’m on this site I feel extra mean.
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