# The Devil's Advocate

> 1997 film directed by Taylor Hackford

**Wikidata**: [Q224647](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q224647)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil's_Advocate_(1997_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-devil-s-advocate

## Summary
The Devil's Advocate is a 1997 American supernatural thriller film directed by Taylor Hackford, starring Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron. It explores themes of morality, power, and the supernatural through the story of a young lawyer who discovers his employer is the devil. The film is notable for its blend of legal drama, horror, and philosophical inquiry.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1997 (initial release), January 22, 1998 (U.S. theatrical release)
- **Director**: Taylor Hackford
- **Starring**: Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron
- **Genre**: Supernatural thriller, horror film, drama film, mystery film
- **Production Company**: Regency Enterprises
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 144 minutes
- **Box Office**: $152.9 million (worldwide)
- **Budget**: $57 million
- **Awards and Nominations**: 4 wins and 5 nominations, including a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
- **Rating**: 6.2/10 (IMDb), 63% (Rotten Tomatoes), 60/100 (Metacritic)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 52 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0118971
- **Freebase ID**: /m/031s5z
- **MusicBrainz Release Group ID**: 691444
- **Google Books ID**: b0074cl7
- **BabelNet ID**: 1931
- **Connected Entities**: Regency Enterprises (production company), Al Pacino (actor), horror film (genre), United States (country of origin)

## FAQs
**What is the central plot of The Devil's Advocate?**  
The film follows Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a young lawyer who joins a prestigious New York firm headed by John Milton (Al Pacino), who is revealed to be Satan. The story explores themes of ambition, morality, and the supernatural as Kevin confronts his employer's true identity.

**Who are the key cast members and crew?**  
The film stars Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron, directed by Taylor Hackford. It was produced by Regency Enterprises, with a screenplay by Jonathan Gems and Gary Greenwalt.

**How was The Devil's Advocate received critically and commercially?**  
The film received mixed reviews, with a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 60/100 Metacritic rating, but performed well commercially, grossing $152.9 million against a $57 million budget. It won four awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.

**What themes and genres does the film explore?**  
The Devil's Advocate blends supernatural thriller, horror, drama, and mystery elements, examining themes of power, morality, and the nature of evil through its legal and philosophical narrative.

**What is the film's cultural and historical significance?**  
The film is notable for its unique portrayal of Satan in a modern corporate setting and its exploration of Faustian bargains. It has become a cult classic, often cited for Al Pacino's iconic performance and its ambitious storytelling.

## Why It Matters
The Devil's Advocate stands out for its ambitious blend of legal drama, supernatural horror, and philosophical inquiry, offering a unique take on the Faustian mythos in a contemporary corporate context. It explores timeless themes of ambition, morality, and the corrupting influence of power, resonating with audiences through its thought-provoking narrative and memorable performances. The film's commercial success and cult status reflect its enduring appeal as both entertainment and a commentary on societal values.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Performance**: Al Pacino's portrayal of John Milton/Satan is widely regarded as one of his most memorable roles.
- **Genre Fusion**: Successfully merges legal thriller, horror, and supernatural elements into a cohesive narrative.
- **Cultural Impact**: Contributed to the "Satanic panic" discourse of the 1990s and remains a staple of 90s cinema.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $152 million worldwide, demonstrating the viability of supernatural thrillers in mainstream cinema.
- **Awards Recognition**: Won a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film, among other accolades.
- **Cult Following**: Developed a dedicated fan base over time, ensuring its status as a cult classic.

## Body

### Production and Release
The Devil's Advocate was directed by Taylor Hackford and produced by Regency Enterprises. Released in 1997, the film stars Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron. With a budget of $57 million, it grossed $152.9 million worldwide, establishing itself as a commercial success despite mixed critical reception.

### Narrative and Themes
The film's plot revolves around Kevin Lomax (Reeves), a young lawyer who joins a prestigious New York firm led by the charismatic John Milton (Pacino), who is revealed to be Satan. The story explores themes of ambition, morality, and the supernatural, drawing parallels to the Faustian legend. It delves into the corrupting influence of power and the ethical compromises individuals make for success.

### Cast and Crew
- **Director**: Taylor Hackford, known for *An Officer and a Gentleman* and *Ray*.
- **Lead Actors**: Al Pacino (John Milton/Satan), Keanu Reeves (Kevin Lomax), Charlize Theron (Mary Ann Winkle).
- **Screenplay**: Jonathan Gems and Gary Greenwalt, based on Andrew Neiderman's novel of the same name.

### Reception and Legacy
The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Pacino's performance but criticizing its pacing and plot holes. However, it has since developed a cult following and is recognized for its unique storytelling and thematic depth. It won four awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film, and is often cited as one of the most memorable films of the 1990s.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Released during the 1990s, a decade marked by corporate scandals and moral debates, the film tapped into societal anxieties about power and corruption. Its portrayal of Satan in a modern corporate setting resonated with audiences, reflecting concerns about institutional evil and personal accountability.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 144 minutes
- **Rating**: R for violence, language, and sensuality
- **Music**: Composed by Howard Shore, featuring a blend of orchestral and choral pieces to enhance the film's supernatural tone.

### Connected Entities
- **Regency Enterprises**: The production company behind the film, known for producing major Hollywood titles.
- **Al Pacino**: A legendary actor whose performance in the film is often highlighted as a career standout.
- **Horror and Supernatural Genres**: The film contributes to these genres by merging supernatural elements with legal drama, influencing later works in hybrid storytelling.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Saturn Award for Best Horror Film** (1998)
- **Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor - Horror** (Al Pacino, 1998)
- **MTV Movie Award for Best Villain** (Al Pacino, 1998)

### Legacy and Influence
The Devil's Advocate has inspired discussions about morality in professional settings and the representation of evil in media. Its success paved the way for more supernatural thrillers in mainstream cinema, demonstrating the genre's commercial viability. The film's exploration of ambition and ethics continues to resonate, making it a subject of academic analysis in film studies and philosophy.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118971/)
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8. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
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