Film & Book Reviews by Ashley S.

The Devil’s Advocate (1997) is a horror/fantasy starring Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron; centered around the human traits of greed, vanity, and lust.

Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax, a young hot-shot Attorney from a small town in Florida. Kevin gets recruited by a well established New York law firm. When he and his wife, played Charlize Theron, arrive in NY, they are immediately swooned by the fruit of Kevin’s winnings. The Partner at the law firm, Al Pacino who plays John Milton, sets his sights on Kevin and seduces the young couple with promises of wealth and power. Without a doubt, this is hard to deny for anyone. In Kevin’s mind, he was powerful in his own right because he is good at what he does. It is undeniable that his drive and seeming ambition kept him in throes of Milton. The question is – who was more enamored by the way things were going?

Foreshadowing in this film was prevalent, from Kevin’s visit to his mother at the Church – to the subtle signs of John Milton’s behavior and the mere decor in his office. Milton carried an innate ability to seduce anyone around him and it did not go unnoticed. For instance, when Mary Ann, played by Charlize, deliberated her appearance because of Milton – she was pushed to make a decision that she would have otherwise never considered before. It was interesting to witness the way that Milton was able to capture any person on screen, and also the form in which the other characters in the film were drawn to him – almost as if he was a magnet that they all gravitated towards.

Camera styles were driven by intense cross cutting that displayed the overall intensity of the actions that Milton often took. I think it gave the viewer a sense of instability – the unknown that was held before them. We watched in anticipation, not knowing what was really the cause of everything that was occurring. In our minds, we witnessed Milton and his coercion, filled with poise and angst that almost drove you mad. The scene on the roof where Milton and Lomax first discussed his aspirations and his background gave an anxious thought to potential death, being in the near edge and not knowing when or if someone would tip over. There was a slight moment where Milton paced towards the edge, a slight smile forming on lips, leaving you wondering if he did that on purpose or if for some reason he knew that he could slightly fall if he wasn’t careful.

Rooftop Scene: First Meeting with John Milton and Kevin Lomax

The icing smothered all over this beautifully crafted cake was the DIALOGUE. I found it to be one of the key factors within this film which brought each piece together. John Milton’s language was filled with voracious and enticing, leaving the viewer wanting to hear more. His monologue after discovery of his identity was immediately intensely hypnotizing and powerful. I felt like I was clinging to every word that he had to say. The boom of his voice made you quiver and know for certain: He is a man of many names.

Monologue: Kevin Lomax Confronts John Milton

To consider that Kevin Lomax, played by Keanu Reeves, was so enamored with his own self that he lived inside a mirror says so much about who he was — who he is.

It makes you think about how often times, we are so caught up with ourselves, that we may not realize what traits we are exhibiting; who we really are. At the core, there is the truth and the truth will always reveal itself one way or another. I believe that ultimately, Milton had his own views of the world…. Of course, him being the Devil and all that. Sensationally charismatic and quite off-putting – he sent us all for a hot ride. It almost made you want to feel sympathy and care except it was for all the wrong things. Truly, there was almost a feeling of being in the Garden of Eden and he slithered up next to you and told you: Yes, do it. Bite the apple, Eve. Do it.

In the end, you wanted to do it because he was so convincing, the eyes and voice that led you to commit atrocious acts. One must pray to God after encountering a character like him.

To wrap it up – See Elevator Scene Below

Elevator Scene: Mother Meets John Milton Meets Enticement

In the end, full circle moment.

By: Ashley S. featuring comments by Alex S.