“Vanity… definitely my favorite sin.”
synopsis
Ambitious Florida defense attorney Kevin Lomax is recruited by a powerful New York law firm led by the charismatic and mysterious John Milton. As Kevin’s career skyrockets, his wife Mary Ann begins to unravel under the pressures of their new life, haunted by disturbing visions and growing paranoia. Kevin slowly realizes that Milton’s influence may be more than merely professional—and that the seductive promise of power may come at a terrifying price.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Directed by Taylor Hackford, this supernatural thriller thrives on the magnetic performances of its leads. Al Pacino gleefully devours the scenery as John Milton, delivering some of the most entertainingly diabolical monologues in modern cinema. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves plays the increasingly conflicted lawyer drawn deeper into a Faustian bargain. The film mixes courtroom drama, horror, and philosophical musings about temptation and free will.
A late evening, a good whiskey, and the pleasure of watching Al Pacino deliver one gloriously over-the-top performance.
Absurdist's Corner
Kevin spends the entire movie surrounded by flashing warning signs that his boss might literally be the Devil…yet still thinks the promotion might be worth it.
fun facts
Al Pacino improvised parts of his famous final monologue.
The character name John Milton references the author of Paradise Lost.
The film’s elaborate sculpture wall in Milton’s office was created specifically for the movie.