The Devils Advocate (1997)
Hello avid movie watchers! This here is a review of the movie “The Devil’s Advocate”
starring legendary actor Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves. This movie, directed by Taylor
Hackford, is most often considered to be a thriller with courtroom drama with focuses
on corruption and the ambition of a man doing anything to achieve his goals. However,
by digging deeper into the movie , we’ll find a film full of biblical references, moral
conundrums and a large philosophical depth.
Keanu stars as Kevin Lomax, a Florida defense attorney on a winning streak and has
never lost a case. When he’s offered a position at a New York law firm headed by John
Milton (played by Al Pacino) and his wife Mary Ann ( starring Charlize Theron) are pulled
into a world of luxury, power and ultimately heading towards their damnation.
This film has many biblical analogies and hidden meanings. The name “John Milton” is
the most obvious reference, referring to the author of Paradise Lost, the epic poem
about Satan’s rebellion and man’s fall from grace. Al Pacino’s character is not just
metaphorically devilish - he is literally the Devil. His firm can be interpreted as a
modern-day Babylon, a corrupt empire built on vanity, greed, and manipulation.
One of the central themes of the movie is human temptation and how easily humans
give into temptation. Kevin , like Adam in the Garden of Eden is given a choice : to obey
the morality of right and wrong or walk the path of power and luxury through sinfulness.
But as we know every choice comes with its own consequences and Kevin does face
the consequences of his choices in the latter part of the film.
One of the most iconic scenes in the film is when John Milton reveals his identity and
explains his philosophy: "Vanity - definitely my favourite sin” and that he merely “set the
stage” for Kevin and he could’ve left anytime he wanted. The monologue is a chilling
interpretation about free will, temptation, and the seductive nature of evil.
Before the end of the film, when Kevin is given a second chance and faces the same
temptation again, he chooses not to fall for the temptation and would rather die and
give up this life of luxury obtained from sinful ways. From this, we can see that sin isn’t a
dramatic fall or any big evil. It also lies in the little things - the small daily compromises
we make in the name of success, ego, and luxury. Evil, as the movie portrays, is
persistent and evolves.
Both Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino delivered outstanding performances which
captivated people watching the movie. Their contrasting on-screen personas created a
tension between them which produced jaw-dropping and unforgettable scenes which
were deeply immersive.
Hey Guys ! if you liked this review, I urge you to give this movie a watch !!!
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