[ratethatcommentary.com]
Login | Register


The Devil's Advocate (1997)


Commentaries on this disc:

Commentary 1: Director Taylor Hackford Rating:6.6/10 (5 votes) [graph]Login to vote or review
Reviewed by demtation on May 4th, 2009:Find all reviews by demtation
I'm not sure why the other low ratings, but I thought this was good. Man, this guy can talk! He's matter of fact, maybe cocky, but his enthusiasm is infectious. I suppose he talks a lot about the action on the screen, but usually contributes or points out something that's not otherwise obvious. Decent track. Other voices would have helped...
Reviewed by frankasu03 on August 3rd, 2012:Find all reviews by frankasu03
I agree with the above comment. Taylor Hackford commentaries are great. (I recommend the "White Nights" track as well) He never takes a moment to catch his breath. And with a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, that is Impressive. Now, in "Advocate," he does alot of explanatory chatter; which I don't find as interesting, as say, personal anecdotes about the production. Never fear, because Taylor has some nice comments about Al Pacino, Screenwriter Tony Gilroy,and the budding female star Charlize Theron. Love how Hackford essentially chides other "stars" for refusing to take on such an over the top role as Pacino does here. It's a solid track. Not Hackford's best. those would be "Officer & a Gentleman" and "Against all Odds." 7/10
Reviewed by grimjack on January 10th, 2020:Find all reviews by grimjack
I voted this one higher because I am surprised by the low ratings. Yes, it is mostly explanatory, but not in the bad way, which is only narratively, but instead he is explaining deeper things in the film. What the character is trying to do subtly that is different than what they are saying. What scenes were cut or moved around so that a stronger point is being made. The version of the devil they wanted to be consistent with.

Even the talks about locations, sets, celebrity friends who did cameos, and special effects, are both informative and interesting.

Also of note is what must be 40 minutes of extended scenes with only commentary, where he explains why they were cut, why he misses them, and what other details about a character we missed out on, but now we have them to think about on further viewings.