Déjà Vu (1998)

Excellent movie and one largely overlooked beautiful thing about it is the music - old songs, from 30. and 40. and 50. One may wonder whether anything shown in there happened in reality as Victoria Foyt plays it quite convincingly.... It is also interesting that the director directed his wife's nude scenes... Amazing film, done largely in the manner of filming documentary drama, and that was in 1997! However, whenever I see a movie like this I think why on earth directors do not put children in such stories.... because when children are there, there is no room for good romance or finding the love of your life.... it's just that simple :-(

Henry Jaglom's films have a distinct feel to them. The dialog is more natural, less theatrical, with stammers, stutters, repetition, hesitation, and stepping on lines. In this film we follow an engaged woman from the streets of Jerusalem, through Tel Aviv, Paris, Dover and onto London where she is to meet up with her fiancé. This journey was shaped in part by a mysterious woman she meets in Jerusalem. Along the way she encounters a dashing gentleman who seems to be the perfect fit for her. This film raises questions about destiny and soul mates. Steven Dillane and Victoria Foyt work well together, and Vanessa Redgrave glows.

By rights "Déjà Vu" should have been a huge success with wide audiences. The fact that it was not may have to do with it's fairly unknown leading actors as well as Jaglom's previous works, which in some cases would be understandably off putting. It's really a great pity, since "Déjà vu" is one of the great romantic movies, (certainly of the nineties.) "Last Summer at the Hamptons" indicated an as yet unseen maturity which had been so lacking in Jaglom's previous works. He was finally emerging from his fixated somewhat obsessive traits which may have garnered him a hard core fan base, but have more likely infuriated many. I would urge you, whether you have any knowledge of Jaglom's works or not, to simply give "Déjà vu" a chance. The conundrum whether two souls on this earth are meant for each other and the eventuality of them meeting (or not) is naturally intriguing. In lesser hands it could degenerate into mush, but Jaglom manages to keep the unbelievable believable in a really delightful and thought provoking manner. Stephen Dillane fits the lead role perfectly. A reputable stage actor, his movie credits have been less impressive, but in "Déjà vu" he proves he has the charisma vital for a leading man on the big screen. Victoria Foyt in the female lead is not as assuredly ready for leading lady status. (Jaglom has often cast his spouse of the time in his movies.) Foyt teeters between making it work or not, but in the final analysis she pulls it off; but just. The supporting roles are really a joy to behold. Vanessa Redgrave seems to be enjoying her role tremendously. Jaglom, a believer in his actors improvising, probably allowed her much room in developing her character. Rachel Kempson, her real life mother, appears in a cameo role as Redgrave's mother in the movie. They share a brief and terribly poignant scene which surely has much to do with their real life connection. Then there's Noel Harrison (Rex's son) and Anna Massey exuding subtle and captivating British humor. Whether you allow yourself to believe the "Déjà vu" story as it unfolds, or simply absorb it as an adult fairy tale, you will likely reap the benefits of a genuine "feel good" movie.

I have only seen this movie once and it really effected me a great deal. I have had the same thing happen to me, ironically in that same year as the movie was made. That one got away from me but I still remember that feeling. I loved this movie for that reason. I thought the story was great also, those two meeting in the strangest ways and in the strangest places. I would recommend this movie to anyone who has love at first sight happen to them.