The 1997 supernatural thriller The Devil’s Advocate remains a standout film of the 1990s, combining elements of horror, legal drama, and social critique. Upon its release, the film garnered a mixed reception, with a 65% critics’ score and an 80% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its lengthy 143-minute runtime, the movie has become a beloved classic, largely due to its craftsmanship and Al Pacino’s flamboyant performance.
Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its boldness and others dismissing it as superficial. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly noted, “You go in expecting a brazenly hokey, in-your-face portrait of evil, and that, I’m happy to say, is just what you get.” Meanwhile, Todd McCarthy of Variety described the film as bubbling “over with a nearly operatic sense of absurdity and excess.”
The Film’s Unique Place in 90s Cinema
Amidst a period when the horror genre struggled to distinguish itself, The Devil’s Advocate stood out as a high-concept thriller aimed at adult audiences. With its mix of gore, nudity, and eroticism, it bridged the gap between low-budget horror films and more sophisticated genre fare like Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the film’s blend of legal melodrama and dark satire with horror elements might even be seen as a precursor to the “elevated horror” trend of the 2010s and 2020s.
The film’s narrative cleverly intertwines trashy scares with social commentary. As Mary Ann, played by Charlize Theron, becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the materialistic lifestyle of the firm’s elite, her husband Kevin, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, finds himself defending a Trump-like real estate developer accused of heinous crimes. This storyline, combined with Pacino’s portrayal of the devilish John Milton, creates a compelling depiction of moral corruption within the legal profession.
Performance Highlights and Cultural Impact
Keanu Reeves delivers one of his more nuanced performances, while Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Mary Ann is both haunting and heartbreaking. However, it is Al Pacino who steals the show, delivering a performance that oscillates between subtlety and bombast. His portrayal of Satan is considered one of the best in film history, with his climactic speech to Kevin about God’s rules being particularly memorable.
“Look, but don’t touch… touch, but don’t taste!”
The film’s exploration of themes such as ambition, temptation, and moral ambiguity continues to resonate with audiences. Its depiction of the legal world as a playground for Satan’s machinations offers a unique lens through which to view societal issues.
The Latest 4K Blu-ray Release
The recent 4K UHD release of The Devil’s Advocate by Shout Factory promises a visually stunning upgrade, although it lacks new features. It retains previously issued deleted and extended scenes, along with commentary from director Taylor Hackford. Notably absent is the original bas-relief sculpture of souls, which was replaced following a copyright infringement lawsuit. This original version remains a rare collector’s item.
Despite the absence of a definitive collector’s edition, the film’s enduring appeal makes it worth revisiting. Its combination of supernatural thrills and sharp social critique ensures that The Devil’s Advocate remains a significant entry in the annals of 90s cinema.
As audiences continue to explore the film’s themes and performances, The Devil’s Advocate serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to challenge and entertain, making it a must-watch for both new viewers and long-time fans.
