The Devil’s Advocate, directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron, is a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones. The film explores themes of morality, free will, temptation, and the corrupting influence of power.
Plot Overview
1. Kevin Lomax’s Rise (Keanu Reeves)
The story centers around Kevin Lomax, a talented defense attorney from Gainesville, Florida, known for never losing a case. Early in the movie, Kevin defends a schoolteacher accused of molesting a student. Despite knowing the teacher’s guilt, Kevin manipulates the trial to secure an acquittal. This victory draws the attention of a high-profile New York City law firm.
2. Introduction to John Milton (Al Pacino)
Kevin is recruited by John Milton, the enigmatic and charismatic head of the New York firm. Milton embodies luxury, power, and indulgence. Kevin is drawn to Milton’s philosophy of winning at all costs and ascends quickly in the firm, defending morally questionable clients. Milton nurtures Kevin’s ambitions but subtly manipulates him by appealing to his ego and desires.
3. Mary Ann’s Downfall (Charlize Theron)
Kevin’s wife, Mary Ann, struggles to adapt to their new life in New York. She becomes increasingly isolated and begins to experience disturbing visions. As Kevin is consumed by his work, he neglects her emotional needs, exacerbating her mental health issues. Her paranoia escalates when she suspects the firm’s employees of sinister behavior, culminating in her tragic suicide.
4. The Revelation
Kevin confronts Milton, demanding answers. Milton reveals his true identity: he is Satan. Kevin learns he was part of Milton’s grand plan to father the Antichrist. Kevin’s mother confesses that Milton is Kevin’s biological father, making Kevin the chosen heir to lead humanity into moral chaos. Milton tempts Kevin with the promise of unlimited power and influence, offering him control over his destiny.
5. Kevin’s Choice
Kevin, despite his flaws, ultimately rejects Milton’s vision. He shoots himself to escape the devil’s grip, effectively resetting the timeline to the beginning of the movie. Kevin wakes up in the courtroom of the teacher’s trial, having the chance to make a different choice.
6. The Final Twist
In the final moments, Kevin makes the moral decision to drop the case. However, as he basks in his newfound sense of virtue, a journalist offers to write about Kevin’s noble act, appealing to his ego. The journalist then morphs into Milton, hinting that temptation is eternal and the devil will always find a way.
Technical Review and Key Elements
1. Free Will vs. Predestination
The film delves deeply into the concept of free will. Kevin is shown as the architect of his own downfall due to his choices, driven by pride and ambition. Even though Milton manipulates events, Kevin’s decisions remain his own. The movie raises the question: Can humans resist temptation, or are they destined to fall?
2. Pride as the Deadliest Sin
Milton’s line, “Vanity, definitely my favorite sin,” encapsulates the central theme. Kevin’s downfall is rooted in his ego and belief in his invincibility. Milton uses pride to lead Kevin astray, showing how self-righteousness blinds individuals to their moral corruption.
3. Corruption of Innocence
Mary Ann represents innocence and vulnerability. Her descent into madness mirrors Kevin’s moral decay. While Kevin is seduced by power, Mary Ann is destroyed by her inability to resist the firm’s oppressive and malevolent environment.
4. The Duality of Law and Morality
The legal profession serves as a metaphor for the moral ambiguity of humanity. Kevin’s role as a defense attorney highlights the tension between upholding the law and pursuing justice. By defending the guilty, Kevin embodies the moral compromises people make in pursuit of success.
5. The Cycle of Temptation
The ending reinforces the idea that temptation is cyclical and eternal. Even when Kevin resets his life, he remains vulnerable to the devil’s machinations, showing that resisting temptation requires constant vigilance.
Symbolism and Visual Motifs
1. Biblical Allusions
- John Milton is a reference to the author of Paradise Lost, a poem about Satan’s rebellion against God.
- Kevin’s journey mirrors the biblical story of Job, with trials testing his moral fortitude.
2. The City as Hell
New York City is depicted as a modern-day inferno. The law firm, with its opulent and imposing offices, serves as a metaphorical representation of Hell.
3. Mirrors and Reflections
Mirrors are frequently used to signify self-awareness and hidden truths. They reflect characters’ inner demons and Milton’s control over his environment.
Philosophical Implications
The film’s underlying message is that human nature is inherently flawed, but redemption is possible through self-awareness and moral courage. The devil doesn’t “make” people evil but exploits their weaknesses, emphasizing personal responsibility in the face of temptation.
The Ending Explained
In the film’s climax, Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) confronts John Milton (Al Pacino), who reveals his true identity as Satan. Milton unveils his grand plan: Kevin, being Milton’s son, is destined to father the Antichrist with Christabella (Connie Nielsen), Kevin’s half-sister. Milton tempts Kevin with the promise of ultimate power and influence, assuring him that his actions will be free from consequence and oversight.
Despite his ambition and flaws, Kevin makes a surprising choice. He rejects Milton’s offer and shoots himself in the head, declaring that free will is stronger than any temptation. This act sacrifices Kevin’s life but thwarts Milton’s plans.
After Kevin’s death, the story seems to “reset.” Kevin wakes up in the courtroom at the beginning of the film, during the trial of the schoolteacher accused of molestation. He’s given a second chance to make a moral decision. Unlike before, Kevin refuses to defend the guilty teacher, prioritizing justice over his career.
As Kevin leaves the courthouse, a journalist (who is Milton in disguise) approaches him, offering to tell Kevin’s story of integrity and self-sacrifice. Kevin, flattered, agrees to the idea, clearly reveling in the attention. The journalist morphs into Milton, smirking as he utters the film’s iconic line:
“Vanity, definitely my favorite sin.”
This implies that Kevin, despite his apparent redemption, remains susceptible to temptation, particularly through his ego.
Conclusion
The Devil’s Advocate is a gripping exploration of morality, free will, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Its blend of supernatural elements with legal drama and psychological tension makes it a thought-provoking cautionary tale about the choices we make and the consequences they bring.
