What happens when you mix Keanu Reeves, a scenery-chewing Al Pacino, and a Faustian bargain?

Andrew Neiderman's novel was originally going to be adapted in the early 90s, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Brad Pitt, but casting Satan proved difficult and so the project was halted.

Speak of the devil, the O.J. Simpson trial gave new life to this story, and everyone became interested in courtroom drama and corrupt lawyers. The movie was resurrected, with Keanu Reeves choosing it over Speed 2, and the production desperate to entice Al Pacino to play the devil. Maybe they made a deal with the devil?

In a bizarre twist worthy of the film itself, a copyright violation lawsuit forced the studio to digitally amend key scenes, proving that even fictional devils face real-world consequences.

Inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno, and the Faust legend woven into late 90s Manhattan, The Devil's Advocate remains a fascinating time capsule of '90s excess while asking timeless questions about the price of success and the susceptibility of human ambition and greed.

Have a listen to The Midnight Myth's excellent episode on The Devil's Advocate here

I would love to hear your thoughts on The Devil's Advocate (1997) !

Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.

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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA

Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio

Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner

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