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Déjà Vu

"Déjà vu is thought to be a trick of the mind... but what if it's not?"

2006 2h 6m EN
👍
6.9
SOLID
★6.9TMDB · 5,509
ActionThrillerScience Fiction
Synopsis
Spoiler shield

Called in to recover evidence in the aftermath of a horrific explosion on a New Orleans ferry, Federal agent Doug Carlin gets pulled away from the scene and taken to a top-secret government lab that uses a time-shifting surveillance device to help prevent crime.

“Déjà vu is thought to be a trick of the mind... but what if it's not?”

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Cast

Credits

Behind the camera

Director
Tony Scott
Writers
Bill Marsilii, Terry Rossio
Languages
English
Countries
United States of America, United Kingdom

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8
MONEY

Did you know

Mid-budget at $75M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01
2 / 8
ERA

Did you know

Released 20 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02
3 / 8
WORLD

Did you know

International production across 2 countries: United States of America, United Kingdom.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03
4 / 8
CAST

Did you know

382+ people credited in cast and crew — a small city's worth of labour.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04
5 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Tony Scott, shot by Paul Cameron. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05
6 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Harry Gregson-Williams. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06
7 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Chris Lebenzon shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07
8 / 8
CAST

Did you know

Denzel Washington and Paula Patton and Val Kilmer carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Tony Scott directs. Paul Cameron behind the camera. Harry Gregson-Williams scores. Chris Lebenzon cuts. Profitable at the box office. Produced in United States of America, United Kingdom. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

  • 1Mid-budget at $75M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.
  • 2Released 20 years ago.
  • 3International production across 2 countries: United States of America, United Kingdom.
  • 4382+ people credited in cast and crew — a small city's worth of labour.
  • 5Directed by Tony Scott, shot by Paul Cameron. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
  • 6Original score by Harry Gregson-Williams. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
  • 7Editor Chris Lebenzon shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
  • 8Denzel Washington and Paula Patton and Val Kilmer carry the top of the cast.
  • 9Marketing tagline: "Déjà vu is thought to be a trick of the mind... but what if it's not?".
  • 10IMDB entry: tt0453467 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
  • 11Classified under 11 themes, including "deja vu", "technology", "fbi", "patriotism".
  • 12Released under 15 different titles around the world.

The technical file

Cinematography
Paul Cameron
Original score
Harry Gregson-Williams
Editing
Chris Lebenzon
Production design
Chris Seagers
Costume design
Ellen Mirojnick
Makeup / hair
Yolanda Toussieng
VFX supervisor
Marc Varisco
Sound
Dan Sharp
Stunt coordinator
Chuck Picerni Jr.
Runtime
126 min · 2h 6m
Aspect ratio (typical)
1.37:1 (Academy)
Status
Released
Budget
$75,000,000
Box office
$180,557,550
Return
241% of budget
Original language
EN
Certification (US)
PG-13

Also by

Tony Scott

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

Full-resolution frames — open one to save it as a wallpaper.

Trailers & featurettes

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Community reviews

What people are saying

  • Wuchak
    ★ 7/10

    Denzel Washington tries to deter a terrorist attack upon looking back in time After a terrorist explosion of a ferry in New Orleans, an ATF agent (Denzel Washington) joins an experimental FBI surveillance unit that uses space-folding technology to find the culprit and maybe even avert the disaster. While looking in the past he starts to fall for a notable victim of the tragedy (Paula Patton). Val Kilmer plays the head FBI agent and Jim Caviezel the antagonist. Adam Goldberg is on hand as a tech geek. While watching "Deja Vu" (2006) I couldn’t help thinking of “Enemy of the State” (1998) because of the kinetic editing and advanced surveillance technology. Turns out they were made by the same director, Tony Scott, Ridley Scott’s brother, who unfortunately jumped off a bridge in Los Angeles in 2012, ending his life at 68 years-old. (Ridley claimed it was due to his secret struggles with cancer while others say it was due to two antidepressants known to cause suicidal thoughts or paranoid ideation). “Deja Vu” is good, especially the compelling last act. Although it may not be as great as “Enemy of the State,” the filmmaking expertise is off the charts, particularly in regards to the depictions of surveillance technology. It’s mind-boggling to think of the effort that was put into making everything gel and dynamically move along without confusing the viewer. However, it admittedly does get a little convoluted in the second act with the experimental observation equipment, which culminates with a thrilling-but-highly-unbelievable past/present car-chase sequence. Another problem, a minor one, is the revelation of the terrorist, which brings to mind someone like the infamous Timothy McVeigh. Never mind that 99% of the terrorist attacks the world over are by radical Islamists (e.g. 9/11, Orlando, San Bernardino, Chattanooga, Fort Hood, Boston Marathon, Paris, Nice, etc.). Shh, don’t tell anyone. The film runs 2 hours, 6 minutes and was shot in New Orleans. GRADE: B

  • JPV852
    ★ 7/10

    Pacing could've been better but still an effective sci-fi thriller thanks to Denzel Washington's charisma carrying over the finish line. Even though this was my third viewing, first time in at least a decade, my feelings and rating remains the same. 3.5/5

  • RalphRahal
    ★ 8/10

    Déjà Vu is a compelling blend of science fiction and action, showcasing Denzel Washington's exceptional talent. His portrayal of ATF agent Doug Carlin is both engaging and nuanced, bringing depth to the character. The film's production is noteworthy, with director Tony Scott utilizing advanced visual effects to create a seamless narrative that explores complex themes of time and memory. The cinematography by Paul Cameron effectively captures the vibrant essence of New Orleans, adding a rich backdrop to the unfolding mystery. Washington's subtle humor, particularly the quip about the "seven dwarves," adds a light touch to the intense storyline. Jim Caviezel delivers a strong performance as the antagonist, contributing to the film's tension and depth. Overall, Déjà Vu is a well-crafted film that combines innovative storytelling with strong performances, making it a memorable addition to the genre.

Production companies

Who made it

  • Touchstone Pictures

    Touchstone Pictures

    US

  • Jerry Bruckheimer Films

    Jerry Bruckheimer Films

    US

  • Scott Free Productions

    Scott Free Productions

    GB

Key crew

  • ProducerJerry Bruckheimer
  • StuntsJennifer Badger
  • StuntsClay Cullen
  • StuntsKenny Endoso
  • StuntsEric Chambers
  • Production DesignChris Seagers
  • Costume DesignEllen Mirojnick
  • CastingKerry Barden
  • CastingDenise Chamian
  • CastingBilly Hopkins
  • CastingSuzanne Smith Crowley
  • EditorChris Lebenzon
  • EditorJason Hellmann
  • Set DecorationRosemary Brandenburg
  • StuntsZack Duhame
  • StuntsJoe Bucaro III
  • Stunt DriverCorey Michael Eubanks
  • Assistant Costume DesignerAnn Foley
  • Costume SupervisorDan Moore
  • Set CostumerDavid Fernandez
  • Set CostumerPamela Waggoner
  • Hair Department HeadYolanda Toussieng
  • HairstylistKathe Swanson
  • HairstylistLarry M. Cherry

Themes & keywords

What it's about, really

  • deja vu
  • technology
  • fbi
  • patriotism
  • new orleans, louisiana
  • time travel
  • wormhole
  • terrorism
  • investigator
  • alternate timeline
  • ferry

Release history · US

When it landed

  • Premiere2006-11-20· New York City, New York
  • Theatrical2006-11-22PG-13

Also known as

International titles

  • Deja VuUS
  • Дежа ВюRU
  • Deja VuTR
  • ДежавюRU
  • VzpomínkyCZ
  • Дежа ВюBG
  • DejavuUS
  • Déjà VuBR
  • 데자뷰KR
  • Déjá VuCZ
  • Deja VuBR
  • Deja VuMX
  • DejaVuMX
  • دژا ووIR
  • فرازمانIR

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