Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a small time lawyer who never loses, is given his chance at the big time by John Milton (Al Pacino). The job leaves little time for his wife (Charlize Theron) or for thoughts of morality, and Milton may want more than just Lomax’s legal skills.
I didn’t expect to like a Faustian tale starring Keanu Reeves. I try to go into films with an open mind, but sometimes my expectations just creep in. Lawyers with the Devil? Been done. Keanu with a southern accent dwelling on the nature of good and evil? Poor choice.
Well, I was wrong. The Devil’s Advocate is engaging, complex, and explores in a refreshing way the deals with the Devil we’re all offered daily. Keanu Reeves nailed his role. His driven, vain (I might as well say it; it pops up in the film enough), loving-but-easily-sidetracked lawyer has layers upon layers. This is the job of an actor (Keanu needs to put this first on his résumé, at least when looking for serious gigs). Pacino puts some fun into the proceedings when the heavy themes start to weigh things down. The few brief nude scenes are beautiful and shocking—both necessities in a film about temptation. Beyond all of that, I’d watch it again for the relief sculpture in Milton’s office. That’s what I need for my office.
Not everything is perfect. For a majority of the film, I didn’t have the sympathy for Lomax’s wife that I should have. And my negative feelings for his mother (the representative of good behavior and religion) pushed me too far into Milton’s camp. At 144 minutes, a bit of trimming would have helped the pace. Not a lot of cutting as it’s good as is, but the difference between a very good film and a great one can be a second here and a moment there.