Paradise lost and The Devil's Advocate

Presentazione di:Francesco Calafato,Emmanuele Mungiguerra,Christian Arciello,Gaetano Terracciano,Antonio Raggi

Paradise lost and The Devil's Advocate

Figure of Satan as an anti-hero

01

In Paradise Lost, Milton portrays Satan as a complex, charismatic and rebellious character, who fights against the authority of God and tries to subvert the cosmic order. Similarly, in the film, Al Pacino plays John Milton (a name that is a tribute to the poet), a successful lawyer who turns out to be the Devil himself. Again, Satan appears charming, manipulative and with his own "philosophy" of life.

Theme of temptation and fall

02

In both, Satan plays the role of tempter, inducing humans to make self-destructive choices that lead to their downfall. In Paradise Lost, Satan deceives Eve, leading to the fall of man; in the film, the Devil tempts the protagonist Kevin (played by Keanu Reeves) with success and selfishness, to the point of compromising his morals and destroying his personal life.

Free Will and Moral Responsibility

03

Both Milton and the film place man's free will at the center. In Paradise Lost, Satan himself is an example of how free will can lead to ruin if not used wisely, and man is free to choose between good and evil. In the film, the Devil insists that he "never coerced anyone," but simply offers the options and then leaves the choice to men, a powerful statement on the theme of individual responsibility.

Reflection on the nature of evil

04

Both works explore the allure of evil and the complexity of human nature. Satan is presented not only as the embodiment of evil, but as a figure who also symbolizes ambition, independence, and the struggle for self-determination. In the film, Pacino's character articulates similar ideas, celebrating freedom and rebellion against moral constraints as a form of personal fulfillment.

Satan as a symbol of rebellion and pride

05

In Paradise Lost, Satan is the ultimate rebel, the one who refuses to submit and declares "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven". This theme of pride is also central to the film: Al Pacino's character often emphasizes the importance of the ego, pushing Kevin to satisfy his pride, which ultimately distances him from his values ​​and the people he loves.

Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven

The Illusion of Power and Success

06

Both works explore the temptation of power and glory. In Paradise Lost, Satan tries to convince the other rebel angels that they can find freedom and power by separating themselves from God. Similarly, in the film, the Devil offers Kevin a stellar career and absolute control, making him believe that success is the ultimate goal and that there are no limits or consequences.

Al Pacino in " The Devil's Advocate"

Look, but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Taste, but don't swallow

Corruption of purity and innocence

07

In Paradise Lost, the original sin is the fall of man, the loss of innocence through disobedience. In the film, we see a parallel in the relationship between Kevin and his wife Mary Ann, whose purity and happiness are corrupted as Kevin becomes seduced by the Devil's world, driving Mary Ann to despair and ultimately madness.

Distrust and criticism of divine authority

08

In Paradise Lost, Satan openly challenges God's authority, questioning his justice and authority. Similarly, in The Devil's Advocate, Pacino's character openly criticizes God, accusing him of sadism, hypocrisy, and indifference to human suffering. Both works explore a deep skepticism toward divine power, asking provocative questions about its nature and intentions.

Theme of predestination and free will

09

In Paradise Lost, there is a debate between predestination and free will, with Milton questioning whether choices are truly free or already determined by God. The film explores this theme as the Devil, played by Pacino, manipulates Kevin and others, making it appear that they have control over their choices when, in reality, they have been led into sin and corruption.

Psychological manipulation

10

In both cases, Satan uses psychological manipulation to push others toward ruin. In Paradise Lost, Satan persuades the other angels to rebel, and then seduces Eve with false promises. In the film, the Devil manipulates Kevin through his ego and desire for success, exploiting his insecurities and ambitions to lead him to ruin.

Dialogue between Al Pacino (Milton) and Kevin

Kevin: What are you? Milton: Oh, I have so many names… Kevin: Satan? Milton: Call me Dad!

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