The Devil’s Advocate Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer gets a new job only to discover his boss is his dad and also the devil, which leads to some family drama and a career change.

🍿 The Devil’s Advocate: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Unbeatable Kevin Lomax

Kevin Lomax, a young and highly successful defense attorney in Florida, boasts an unblemished record. His ambition and desire to win, however, lead him to defend a seemingly guilty schoolteacher accused of child molestation. Despite his inner doubts, Kevin uses a brutal cross-examination to secure an acquittal, attracting the attention of a mysterious New York law firm.

A Tempting Offer in the Big Apple

Intrigued by the promise of wealth and prestige, Kevin accepts an offer to join Milton, Chadwick & Waters, a powerful firm led by the enigmatic John Milton. Ignoring his mother’s warnings about the dangers of city life, Kevin and his wife, Mary Ann, relocate to New York City, where they are immediately immersed in a world of luxury and high-stakes cases. As Kevin becomes more engrossed in his work, Mary Ann begins to experience unsettling visions and feelings of isolation.

Cracks in the Façade

Kevin’s dedication to his career takes a toll on his marriage, as Mary Ann’s mental state deteriorates. She sees demonic figures and feels increasingly alienated from her husband and her new surroundings. As Kevin handles increasingly ethically questionable cases, including the defense of a man accused of murdering his family, he begins to lose sight of his values and the well-being of his wife.

Descent into Madness

The pressure mounts as Mary Ann’s visions intensify, and she claims that John Milton sexually assaulted her. However, Kevin struggles to believe her, as he cannot reconcile her accusations with his own experiences. Mary Ann’s mental breakdown culminates in a horrific act of self-harm, leading to her institutionalization and eventual suicide.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves): A hotshot Florida lawyer whose ambition leads him to a powerful New York firm and a deal with the devil.
• John Milton (Al Pacino): The charismatic and enigmatic head of a New York law firm who is revealed to be Satan himself.
• Mary Ann Lomax (Charlize Theron): Kevin’s wife, who struggles with the isolation and sinister atmosphere of New York, leading to her mental breakdown.
• Mrs. Alice Lomax (Judith Ivey): Kevin’s deeply religious mother who warns him about the dangers of New York City and John Milton.
• Eddie Barzoon (Jeffrey Jones): The managing attorney at Milton’s law firm who becomes suspicious of Kevin and meets a gruesome end.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Milton: “Let me give you a little inside information about God. God likes to watch. He’s a prankster. Think about it. He gives man instincts. He gives you this extraordinary gift, and then what does He do, I swear for His own amusement, his own private cosmic gag reel, He sets the rules in opposition. It’s the goof of all time.” – Milton explains his cynical view of God’s nature and humanity’s struggle with temptation.
• John Milton: “The best trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” – Milton explains the power of the Devil’s influence through deception and disbelief.
• John Milton: “Free will. It’s like butterfly wings: once you touch it, it never recovers.” – Milton discusses the fragility and consequences of free will, suggesting it can easily be corrupted or ruined.
• Kevin Lomax: “I rest my case.” – Kevin says this after making the decision not to represent a guilty client, a turning point for his character.
• John Milton: “Vanity, definitely my favorite sin.” – John Milton says this as the reporter transforms into him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $57,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $60,944,660
• Worldwide Gross: $152,944,660

💥 The Devil’s Advocate Reviews

Personal Review

I was hooked from the moment Keanu’s character gets that life-changing offer! Al Pacino’s performance is pure fire – he’s so charismatic and evil, it’s mesmerizing. The way the movie explores temptation and the price of ambition really got me thinking. I especially loved the ending; it’s not what you expect, and it makes you question everything you just watched.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in legal dramas with a dark twist”
  • “Fans of Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves”
  • “Those who enjoy films that explore themes of morality, temptation, and free will”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While Pacino chews the scenery with gusto, the film is ultimately a predictable morality play weighed down by overwrought performances and a ludicrous plot. A misfire.
• Roger Ebert: “The movie, at 144 minutes, is too long and too repetitive, and the plot is too familiar; we’ve seen the same plot devices in countless thrillers. Al Pacino really shines as John Milton and Keanu Reeves does a fine job, all in all it is an enjoyable movie that has flaws.
• James Berardinelli: “Devil’s Advocate offers a compelling and often disturbing look at the corrupting nature of power, wealth, and influence. Pacino devours the scenery while Keanu holds his own.

Audience Reactions

Al Pacino’s devilish performance stole every scene.: Viewers loved Al Pacino’s over-the-top performance and the film’s exploration of good vs. evil.

The twist ending was unexpected and thought-provoking.: Many people enjoyed how the movie addressed vanity, ambition and moral compromises.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews; praised for Pacino’s performance and thought-provoking themes, but criticized for its length, predictability and over-the-top elements.

Awards

1. Saturn Award (Best Horror Film)- 1998

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Keanu Reeves took a significant pay cut so that Al Pacino could be cast, as Pacino’s asking price exceeded the budget. Upon learning this, Pacino donated an equivalent amount to charity.”
• “The sculpture prominently featured in John Milton’s penthouse was the subject of a lawsuit. Sculptor Frederick Hart claimed it was an unauthorized copy of his work ‘Ex Nihilo’ at the Washington National Cathedral. The case was settled, and the sculpture was digitally altered in later releases.”
• “Donald Trump allowed filming in his personal home, Trump Tower, to represent Cullen’s apartment, adding a layer of real-world wealth and power to the film’s setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devil’s Advocate?

The Devil’s Advocate is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. You may also find DVD or Blu-Ray copies available for purchase online or in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devil’s Advocate, you might like these similar films:

• Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Deals with themes of demonic influence, ambition, and a woman’s descent into madness as her husband gets caught up in sinister forces.
• The Firm (1993): A young, talented lawyer joins a prestigious firm only to discover dark secrets and corruption, forcing him to make difficult moral choices.
• Jacob’s Ladder (1990): Features a descent into a nightmarish reality, questioning what is real and what is hell. Deals with psychological horror, morality, and supernatural forces.
• Constantine (2005): Features the occult, demons, and the battle between good and evil in a modern setting.
• Angel Heart (1987): A detective story involving a deal with the devil, exploring themes of damnation, hidden identities, and moral corruption.

🛒 The Devil’s Advocate Related Products

• The Devil’s Advocate (Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A perfect addition to any film collector’s library.
• Al Pacino: An Actor’s Story: A biography detailing Al Pacino’s life, career and acting techniques. Learn more about this amazing performance.
• Devil’s Advocate Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Great for decorating home theaters, offices, or any space where you want to show your love for the film.
• Law & Order: The Complete Series: Delve into the world of Law & Order, another great Law drama. Plenty of drama and plot twists.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Devil’s Advocate features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Paint It Black” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “Classical Gas” – performed by Mason Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Al Pacino’s speech about God (The Devil’s Advocate)

Prepare to be captivated by Al Pacino’s legendary speech as the Devil in ‘The Devil’s Advocate.’ His eloquent yet chilling words will leave you questioning your own beliefs and the nature of good and evil.

Devil’s Advocate: Original sculpture’s scenes !

Dive into the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ with these alternate sculpture scenes. Witness the unedited artistic vision of the filmmakers and gain a new perspective on the movie’s controversial themes.

The Devil’s Advocate (1997) Deleted Scene #2

Uncover a hidden piece of ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ with this exclusive deleted scene. It’s a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been, offering fresh perspectives on the characters and their motivations.

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