‹ All movies
The Devil’s Advocate poster

The Devil’s Advocate

143

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Keanu Reeves Kevin Lomax
Al Pacino John Milton
Charlize Theron Mary Ann Lomax
Jeffrey Jones Eddie Barzoon
Judith Ivey Mrs. Lomax

The Devil’s Advocate | The Rewatchables

Explore episodeClose episode

Picking Nits

Too little courtroom material

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:17Read transcript
  • The Gettys and Cullen trials are interesting but abbreviated, especially as Mary Ann’s subplot takes over.

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:41Read transcript
  • The review objects that the film is neither serious exploration nor fully dark comedy and calls the epilogue a cheat, while acknowledging splendid moments.

Recasting Couch

Adebisi’s actor as Moyez

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:14Read transcript
  • The actor known as Adebisi is proposed for the voodoo practitioner instead of Delroy Lindo; Lindo’s improvised-sounding accent is criticized, and the alternative performer is called underused.

Casting What-Ifs

Joel Schumacher and Brad Pitt; repeated Pacino refusals; Reeves’s pay cut; Theron’s hesitation

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:40Read transcript
  • A proposed 1994 version with Schumacher and Pitt would have modeled the subway on Dante’s circles of hell; it reportedly collapsed without an actor for Satan.
  • Pacino reportedly rejected the project five times, Reeves accepted reduced pay to secure him, and Theron hesitated about nudity.
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:58Read transcript
  • Replacements for Jones include Ridgely, Hall and Macy; Hall is questioned as insufficiently plausible as a jogger.
  • Skerritt is proposed for Cullen, and Pitt is recalled as a stronger lead.
  • Pitt and Depp are suggested as actors who could have elevated the lead role.
  • Redford is rejected as Milton, while Nicholson is considered able to deliver the speeches.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Sculpture lawsuit; rooftop construction; real boxing match; Connie Nielsen’s arrival; cleared street; composite makeup

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:31Read transcript
  • A sculpture copyright dispute reportedly required edits in later releases; the rooftop was on the 50th floor with the stage eight feet from the edge.
  • The film used a real October 1996 Roy Jones Jr. fight; Kevin’s support for the opponent is criticized as boxing ignorance.
  • Nielsen reportedly had been in America a month before casting; the empty-street shot used a Sunday 7:30 a.m. closure of 57th Street.
  • The Lucifer transformation reportedly combined Reeves and Pacino life masks, including a Godfather-era mask, with Rick Baker involved.

Picking Nits

Rushed trials; Kevin’s marriage; his mother’s secrecy; “Dad”; Larry’s hygiene; the ending

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:38Read transcript
  • Trials move too quickly, recesses are casually granted, and surprise evidence is admitted without adequate review; Kevin is also a poor husband.
  • The mother’s knowledge of Milton, lack of warning and recognition after decades raise questions; Kevin suddenly calling Milton Dad feels odd.
  • The dreamlike reset ending is challenged, while Satan’s continual testing is offered as an explanation.
  • Larry does not wash his hands in either version of the bathroom scene.
  • One interpretation sees a time loop: rejecting the bargain sends Kevin back for another test, while accepting would let events continue.

Picking Nits

The prosecutor’s discarded glasses

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:12Read transcript
  • The prosecutor oddly throws his glasses onto Kevin’s table after questioning the child.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Trump’s alternate acting career; Gator fans; the Antichrist’s lineage; Pacino’s apparent aging

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:14Read transcript
  • Casting Trump as Cullen prompts speculation about whether an acting career would change his later political trajectory.
  • The film’s implications for Florida Gator fans are jokingly questioned.
  • The hosts debate whether the Antichrist requires incest, specific parentage or markings, compare other films and imagine a reluctant Antichrist comedy.
  • Pacino appears much older than in Heat despite a two-year gap; smoking, cinematography and styling are possible explanations.
  • Oversized suits are criticized, with debate about Michael Jordan’s influence on mid-1990s fashion.

Producer review

Unfinished viewing; not a favorite; avoids Satan films

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:08Read transcript
  • The addressed producer says an hour remains, the film is not a favorite, he watches few movies and does not enjoy Satan material.