Movie Review: The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
Synopsis:
"The Devil’s Advocate," directed by Taylor Hackford, is a psychological thriller that delves into the pitfalls of ambition and the moral ambiguities that often accompany success. The narrative follows Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a talented young attorney from Florida who has never lost a case. When he is offered a prestigious position at a New York law firm led by the enigmatic and charismatic John Milton (Al Pacino), Kevin and his wife, Mary Ann (Charlize Theron), relocate to the city, hoping for a brighter future.
As Kevin climbs the corporate ladder, he soon finds himself drawn deeper into a world of deception, corruption, and temptation, which begins to affect his relationship with Mary Ann. The veneer of success gradually reveals a darker underbelly as Kevin realises that Milton is not merely his boss but a personification of evil—an agent of devilish forces seeking to corrupt his soul. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Kevin must confront the true cost of his ambitions and the moral sacrifices he has made to achieve success.
Alongside an intricate plot, the film explores themes of free will, morality, and the struggle against inner demons. It ultimately builds towards a shocking climax that challenges the notion of fate and personal responsibility.
Cast:
- Al Pacino as John Milton
- Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax
- Charlize Theron as Mary Ann Lomax
- Jeffrey Jones as Eddie Barzoon
- Judith Ivey as the Judge
- Tamara Tunie as the Accuser
- Craig T. Nelson as Alex Cullen
- Heather Matarazzo as the Girl in the Church
Review:
The film is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, primarily due to the outstanding performances from its leads. Al Pacino’s portrayal of John Milton is nothing short of captivating. He imbues the character with an intoxicating charisma that makes him simultaneously alluring and repulsive. The nuances of his performance often blur the lines between charm and malevolence, embodying the seductive nature of power. Pacino’s infamous soliloquy towards the film’s climax is a standout moment—delivering a potent mix of bravado and sinister delight that cements Milton as one of cinema’s great villains.
Keanu Reeves, playing the ambitious attorney, manages to effectively anchor the film with a more understated performance. His character’s descent into moral chaos is palpable, portraying the internal conflict of a man grappling with the price of his ambition. Reeves captures Kevin’s ambition and naivety well, slowly allowing the weight of his choices to manifest in expressions of doubt and horror. The chemistry between Reeves and Theron, who portrays his troubled wife, is compelling. Theron’s performance as Mary Ann is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a range of emotional depth—from the initial happiness of their new life to the profound fear and despair as the realities of their choices become apparent.
The supporting cast, including Jeffrey Jones as the beleaguered partner Eddie Barzoon, effectively rounds out the film. The world that the law firm inhabits is one rife with moral ambiguity, creating conflicts that resonate throughout the narrative. Each character, while secondary to the primary storyline, adds layers to the overall theme of temptation and the pursuit of power.
Visually, “The Devil’s Advocate” is striking. The cinematography, led by director of photography Philippe Rousselot, creates a sense of both glamour and foreboding. The contrast between the bright, seductive allure of New York’s skyline and the darker, claustrophobic settings of Milton’s office heightens the film’s tension, reflecting Kevin’s internal struggle as he moves deeper into a morally disconcerting world. The noir-like aesthetic showcases Hackford’s ability to blend genres, seamlessly merging elements of horror with legal drama and thriller.
The screenplay, penned by Jonathan Lemkin and Tony Gilroy, is both intricate and engaging. The dialogues are rich and thought-provoking, often laden with philosophical musings about free will, the nature of evil, and the consequences of one’s choices. The film progresses at a steady pace, building tension through a series of dramatic revelations while carefully weaving in the supernatural elements that emphasise John Milton’s true nature.
One of the film’s notable strengths is how it raises existential questions rather than providing overt answers. As Kevin is seduced by wealth and ambition, viewers are left to ponder the true nature of success. Is it worth sacrificing one’s morals and relationships for the sake of power? The film’s conclusion delivers a gut-punching twist that reframes the entire narrative, leaving audiences with lingering questions about humanity’s primal instincts and the perennial battle between good and evil.
However, some criticisms can be directed towards the film, particularly in its pacing towards the middle act. There are moments where the story could lose its momentum, and some might argue that the exposition becomes overly elaborate. Additionally, while the film explores significant themes, at times it risks being overly indulgent in its portrayal of the legal world and the abstract constructs of morality versus ambition.
In the final act, the utilisation of supernatural elements can also be off-putting for some viewers, drawing away from the grounded legal thriller tone that prevails in earlier sequences. Nevertheless, these elements serve to heighten the thematic stakes, pushing Kevin Lomax towards a reckoning that is as inevitable as it is tragic.
Despite its few shortcomings, "The Devil’s Advocate" stands the test of time as a thought-provoking exploration of ambition and the human condition. Its casting, cinematography, and philosophical undercurrents all work in tandem to create a compelling narrative. The film’s climactic reveal not only shocks but invites viewers to reflect on the dark decisions many choose to ignore in the relentless pursuit of success.
Conclusion:
"The Devil’s Advocate" remains a potent mix of psychological drama and supernatural horror, elevated by strong performances and a thought-provoking narrative. Its exploration of moral ambiguity mirrors many contemporary societal dilemmas surrounding ambition and ethics, making it not just a film about law and power but one that resonates on a deeper, more universal level. The moral dilemmas faced by Kevin Lomax serve as a cautionary tale about the cost of unchecked ambition and the masks we wear in the pursuit of success.
Score: 8.5/10
This film continues to captivate audiences with its captivating performances and thought-provoking themes, establishing itself as a classic in the genre.
