Is Devil's Advocate? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1999)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1999, Devil's Advocate? represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Dateline's coverage of the lawsuit by Patty Burgus and family against Bennett Braun, director of the Dissociative Disorder's Unit at Rush Presbyterian St. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Dateline's coverage of the lawsuit by Patty Burgus and family against Bennett Braun, director of the Dissociative Disorder's Unit at Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes in Chicago. Oct 1998. This is the story of the foundational works which constitute the current theory of Dissociative Identity Disorder/ Multiple Personality Disorder. This was the first Dissociative Disorder's Unit in the United States. All subsequent units specializing in Multiple Personality Disorder/ Dissociative Identity Disorders have been modeled after it. After having his license suspended in Illinois, Dr. Braun has resumed practice in Butte, Montana. Despite the malpractice payments paid by insurance on his behalf as well, Dr. Kluft remains in practice and continues to give training lectures on the treatment of MPD/DID to large audiences of mental health practitioners."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Pat Burgus provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 44 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Devil's Advocate? truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Devil's Advocate? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1999 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Devil's Advocate? is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Pat Burgus or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Devil's Advocate? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.