By Sara Bright
Cinema has often invited audiences to confront their darkest fears, and few archetypes have been as enduringly provocative as that of the Devil himself. From his chilling presence in The Exorcist to the sardonic wit of Bedazzled, the Devil has transcended genres, offering filmmakers fertile ground for storytelling. Yet, one title seems to resonate above all others when we think of cinematic portrayals of this infernal figure: The Devil’s Advocate. This 1997 masterpiece, directed by Taylor Hackford, is more than a supernatural thriller; it’s a Faustian morality tale dressed in the sharp suits of a courtroom drama. But behind its polished veneer lies a production story fraught with near-misses, creative tensions, and an almost diabolical persistence.
The Literary Spark: From Modest Novel to Silver Screen
The origins of The Devil’s Advocate trace back to Andrew Neiderman’s 1990 novel of the same name. Neiderman’s work, while not a literary phenomenon, possessed a unique hook: a young, ambitious lawyer entangled in the web of a sinister yet charismatic boss. Warner Bros., eager to capitalise on the 1990s’ fascination with the supernatural – spurred by the success of films like Ghost – saw the novel’s cinematic potential and acquired the rights.
The initial screenplay, crafted by Jonathan Lemkin, envisioned a Manhattan soaked in surreal horror, teeming with demons and hallucinatory imagery. However, the script leaned heavily on spectacle, sacrificing the psychological tension that would later define the film. Enter Joel Schumacher, fresh off his success with Falling Down. Tasked with shepherding the project, Schumacher began reworking the script with writer Lawrence Cohen, aiming to blend gothic horror with a modern legal drama.
Casting became a herculean challenge. The role of John Milton, the enigmatic head of the law firm, demanded gravitas and charm. While actors like Richard Gere and Kevin Spacey were considered, none captured the diabolical essence envisioned by the filmmakers. Even Al Pacino initially declined, deeming the script overly reliant on visual effects. As delays mounted and the project languished in “development hell,” Schumacher moved on, and Warner Bros. shelved the film.
Resurrecting the Vision: Hackford’s Transformative Touch
In the mid-1990s, The Devil’s Advocate found a new champion in director Taylor Hackford. Known for his work on An Officer and a Gentleman and Dolores Claiborne, Hackford was drawn to the story’s exploration of ambition and moral compromise. His vision for the film stripped away much of the supernatural excess, focusing instead on the seductive power of Milton’s character and the psychological descent of Kevin Lomax, the protagonist.
Hackford’s persistence paid off when Al Pacino, impressed by the revised script, signed on to play Milton. Pacino’s portrayal is now iconic, blending theatricality with a chilling, almost casual malevolence. The casting of Keanu Reeves as Lomax was equally pivotal. Reeves, then riding high on the success of Speed, brought a vulnerable earnestness to the role, making Lomax’s moral downfall all the more tragic.
The film’s final piece fell into place with Charlize Theron’s casting as Lomax’s wife, Mary Ann. Theron’s haunting performance – charting Mary Ann’s descent into paranoia and despair – grounded the film’s supernatural elements in raw, emotional realism.
A Study in Duality: Themes and Performances
At its core, The Devil’s Advocate is a meditation on choice, power, and corruption. Milton’s seductive rhetoric – peppered with lines like “Vanity, definitely my favourite sin” – exposes the fragility of human morality when confronted with unbridled ambition. Pacino’s performance masterfully oscillates between mentor and predator, embodying the allure of evil cloaked in charm.
Reeves, often underestimated as an actor, delivers one of his most nuanced performances. Lomax’s arc – from a hotshot lawyer blinded by success to a man grappling with his complicity – is portrayed with a subtlety that underscores the character’s internal conflict. Theron, meanwhile, steals every scene she’s in, her character’s psychological unravelling serving as a counterpoint to Lomax’s moral degradation.
Cinematic Craftsmanship: Visuals and Atmosphere
Hackford’s direction, complemented by Andrzej Bartkowiak’s cinematography, creates a visual language that juxtaposes the sterile opulence of Manhattan’s legal elite with the creeping unease of Milton’s influence. The production design – featuring Milton’s penthouse adorned with a grotesque sculpture that comes to life during the climactic confrontation – is a testament to the film’s meticulous attention to detail.
James Newton Howard’s score further amplifies the film’s tension, blending orchestral swells with eerie undertones. This sonic backdrop accentuates the narrative’s slow-burning suspense, culminating in a finale that is both operatic and intimate.
Legacy and Impact
Upon its release, The Devil’s Advocate divided critics but captivated audiences. Some praised its audacity and performances, while others critiqued its melodramatic flourishes. Yet, over time, the film has garnered a cult following, celebrated for its ambitious storytelling and thematic depth.
Its influence extends beyond cinema. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the corrupting nature of power resonates in a contemporary context, where questions of ethics and integrity dominate public discourse. Moreover, Pacino’s portrayal of Milton has become a cultural touchstone, referenced in everything from legal dramas to popular music.
Behind the Curtain: The Road to Cult Status
The journey of The Devil’s Advocate from page to screen is a tale as compelling as the film itself. It’s a testament to the perseverance of its creative team and their ability to overcome setbacks that would have derailed lesser projects. Hackford’s vision, combined with standout performances and a willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths, ensures the film’s place in the pantheon of psychological thrillers.
In revisiting The Devil’s Advocate, we are reminded of cinema’s power to provoke, challenge, and entertain. The Devil may be in the details, but in this case, those details coalesce into a work of enduring brilliance.
