"Don't even attempt to understand time travel- it's just not scientifically possible." Those were the words of a wise friend of mine shortly after completing The Terminator marathon near the end of our University days. Having just finished watching Deja Vu for the first time, literally five mins ago, I attempted to apply this philosophy... and failed, miserably. So, equipped with a bottle of Lucozade, I shall be up all night attempting to piece together all these thoughts concerning what actually just happened in Tony Scott's confusing, but wonderfully entertaining, "Science-Fiction" movie.
Things begin when agent Doug Carlin (the consistantly brilliant Denzel Washington) arrives at the scene of an exploded ferry boat- the work of a terrorist. The body of the apparent victim Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton) is found, and Carlin has "Deja Vu", and we later learn that the woman was actually dead before the blast, and things start to get interesting. A surveillance team, headed by Paul Pryzwarra (a chubby Val Kilmer) are able to look four days into the past, and search for clues in an attempt to solve the crime. The problem is actually knowing where to look, as they cannot pause or go back once the footage has been rendered.
It's fascinating stuff. Particularly, one of my favourite scenes involved Denzel pursuing the terrorist in a hummer when he isn't actually there- he's chasing the image from four days ago via the aid of portable technology. It does more than entertain; Deja Vu makes you think is all this actually possible? Probably not, but we can dream and be entertained.
There were certain things that just didn't add up to me. Like, when Carlin is studying Claire's apartment he notices blood soaked clothes scattered everywhere, and is unaware of how they got there. We later learn it was in fact Carlin at the apartment with Claire four days ago nursing a gun shot wound; thus, he was the one responsible for the blood soaked clothes. Now, surely he would remember this? I only raise the point because in The Terminator the John Connor of the future is aware of his "Former self" and sends back the T-800 to protect him. I know these are two different films, but the concept is there.
Maybe I think too much, or missed something, but either way I can't deny that I really enjoyed Deja Vu. The subplot of a developing romance between Carlin and Claire, in particular, added new meaning to the film, and I really felt for them both at the end (if you haven't seen it then I won't spoil it for you by telling you what actually happens).
As for Scott, after making the brilliant Enemy of the State, the heart warming Man on Fire, even the half decent thriller Spy Game, and now this, he's definitely up there was one of my favourite directors.
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In his most effective thriller sinceEnemy of the State, Tony Scott makes time travel seem ... more
plausible. It helps that his New Orleans hero, ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington in his third go-round with the director), spends more time in the present ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
In his most effective thriller sinceEnemy of the State, Tony Scott makes time travel seem ... more
plausible. It helps that his New Orleans hero, ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington in his third go-round with the director), spends more time in the present ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: A good film, amazing cast, and some very strong preformances Disadvantages: Not as good as it should have been. Poor direction in my opinion
Advantages: Cage & Moores performances, some fairly good CGI/effects & scenery in parts Disadvantages: The ending, tries to be a bit too clever, somewhat cheesy & formulaic
IzzyS 13.01.2008 (13.01.2008)
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