Although Keanu Reeves has gained widespread popularity, his performance in 2016’sThe Whole Truthshadowed in comparison to his film with Al Pacino inThe Devil’s Advocate. Reeves’ career has been marked by several milestones, and he’s had the uncanny ability to reinvent himself through the decades, maintaining relevance with newer generations.Keanu Reeves taken on a wide range of roles, showing versatility in multiple genres and leaving his mark as an actor with both comedic and dramatic talent.
Reeves’ adaptability hasn’t always worked in his favor, having faced some scrutiny for his roles inThe WatcherandThe Day The Earth Stood Still. While he’s been dubbed the “Internet’s boyfriend” for appearing in viral memes, he couldn’t erase the low ratings from films likeThe Whole Truth. The film was criticized for following a predictable, unoriginal plot. Despite some of his failures at the box office, his role in 1997’sThe Devil’s Advocatewas more successful and better received by critics, though perhaps still not one ofKeanu Reeves' best movies.
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Keanu Reeves’ The Whole Truth Doesn’t Compare To The Devil’s Advocate
Why The Devil’s Advocate Remains a Cinematic Masterpiece
The Whole TruthandThe Devil’s Advocateboth focus on law enforcement,butThe Devil’s Advocateeasily surpassed its lackluster script and cast dynamics. Reeves had a noticeable lack of chemistry with his co-stars inThe Whole Truth, but his collaboration with Al Pacino’s brilliant but sinister character provoked intrigue and engagement among audiences.
The Whole Truthwas accused of being too one-dimensional, butThe Devil’s Advocatedealt with provocative themes taken from infamous literature likeParadise LostandInferno.Reeves excelled inThe Devil’s Advocatebut didn’t leave a lasting impression inThe Whole Truth, contributing to the latter’s box office flop.
The Devil’s Advocate
Cast
The Devil’s Advocate follows Florida defense lawyer Kevin Lomax, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, as he accepts a position at a prestigious New York law firm. Under the guidance of his enigmatic boss, played by Al Pacino, Lomax becomes entangled in a series of increasingly sinister cases.
The Whole Truth Is One Of Keanu Reeves’ Most Underwhelming Movies
What Went Wrong with The Whole Truth?
As a legal thriller,The Whole Truthhad the potential to be a decent film, but its slow pace didn’t accurately reflect the horror it was trying to convey.The flashbacks involving Loretta Lassiter and Boone Lassiter were poorly integrated, resulting in choppy scene transitions. During some of the film’s courtroom interrogation scenes, Reeves didn’t fully come across as a convincing defense attorney. It was evident that the script limited Reeves’ performance significantly, offering very little to work with in terms of character development.
The Whole Truthdidn’t take much time to delve into Reeves' character’s backstory or motivations, leaving the film with a sense of disconnect.Keanu Reeves' character was both a villainand a hero, but there was never a clearly defined explanation of his complicated relationship with Mike Lassiter or acknowledgment of the fact that Mike was unintentionally framed for murder. In contrast,The Devil’s Advocate’s elaborate dialogue captured the film’s multifaceted nature. Reeves may have had a disappointing portrayal in TheWhole Truth, but he will be remembered for the exceptional story elements ofThe Devil’s Advocate.
