Déjà vu is a supernatural phenomena experienced by many, but understood by few. On the other hand, Déjà Vu is a film that will be experienced by many but understood by few. This complex, convoluted sci-fi thriller requires an enormous leap of faith to prevent it being dismissed as gimmicky nonsense. It is testimony to the considerable presence of Denzel Washington that you are prepared to take that leap.
Director Tony Scott is known for his high adrenaline action films, a category that Déjà Vu falls squarely into. Although set in modern day, it qualifies as science fiction in as much as its central premise involves technology that doesn't yet exist. The FBI has developed a machine that, through the use of pictures from four global satellites, is able to look back in time, at any location and from any angle. When a ferry is blown up in New Orleans harbour, killing hundreds of Naval personnel and civilians, the FBI, along with the help of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) endeavour to use the special machine to not only help them capture those responsible, but to do so before the ferry even blows up.
It's a premise that doesn't stand up to close scrutiny, but plausibility is not what Déjà Vu is about. Even though FBI agent Andrew Pryzwarra (Val Kilmer) boasts, "We've found a way to fold space back on itself," physicist Dr Alexander Denny (Adam Goldberg) provides the film's disclaimer when he declares of the concept, "It's not even theoretically possible." Once past that small hurdle, DéjàVu settles back into becoming a serviceable and conventional crime thriller, even if it does possess an unconventional element.
When the body of a beautiful girl (Paula Patton) washes up shortly before the ferry explosion, Denzel finds a connection linking her murder to the attack. That he is completely smitten by her, helped by the fact that the FBI's technology enables him to see her in the shower shortly before her death, gives him an added incentive to go back in time to prevent her death.
Washington possesses an integrity and charm that has you devoutly believing in him even when he's involved in something so unbelievable. He also brings some humour, something that Déjà Vu cultivates nicely, especially in the scenes involving the explanation of the technology. If I experienced déjà vu and saw the film again, there's a possibility I might even understand the physics involved, but as diverting as Déjà Vu is, I'm not sure it's worth it.
Kevin Murphy
