Inspiration on Film

42. John Milton's Speech

Inspiration on Film
Compiled by Fox-Trot-9

42. John Milton's Speech
From The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Delivered by Al Pacino

John Milton: Who are you carrying all those bricks for anyway? God? Is that it? God? Well, I tell ya, let me give you a little inside information about God. God likes to watch. He's a prankster. Think about it. He gives man instincts. He gives you this extraordinary gift and then what does He do? I swear, for His own amusement, His own private cosmic gag reel, He sets the rules in opposition. It's the goof of all time. Look, but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Taste, don't swallow. And while you're jumpin' from one foot to the next, what is He doin'? He's laughin' His sick, fucking ass off. He's a tight ass. He's a sadist. He's an absentee landlord. Worship that? Never!

Kevin Lomax: Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven, is that it?

John Milton: Why not? I'm here on the ground with my nose in it since the whole thing began! I've nurtured every sensation man has been inspired to have! I cared about what he wanted and I never judged him. Why? Because I never rejected him, in spite of all his imperfections! I'm a fan of man! I'm a humanist. Maybe the last humanist. Who, in their right mind, Kevin, could possibly deny the 20th century was entirely mine? All of it, Kevin! All of it! Mine! I'm peaking. It's my time now. It's our time.

(To be continued...)

A/N: Oh man, I've only watched a few scenes of this movie year ago. I never got the chance to watch the whole thing, but man, I think this is one of Al Pachino's best speeches. And I actually read Paradise Lost by John Milton, so I totally get that quote Keanu gives in the middle. Free will is the one thing God granted to us, and guide us to Heaven or damn us to Hell. If I ever get a chance to watch this movie, I'm definitely gonna watch the rest of it.