graham clarke 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.

novelle If you strip away all the romantic trappings of destiny conspiring to bring two soul mates together, this remains a tawdry tale of adultery between an English architect and an American businesswoman. One is married for ten years and the other on the brink of her wedding. Jaglom does his best to garner sympathy for the two lovers. It is not their fault that they lie and cheat but fate that keeps throwing them together. Destiny's hand is revealed in a reoccurring theme song, numerous chance encounters, and a mysterious broach. For good measure, he even throws in a supernatural element. The lovers never seem to express any genuine guilt or skepticism. They are just in a constant state of amazement and are as dumbfounded as the audience at the ridiculousness of the movie's script. Just as one of the lovers begins to exhibit some misgivings, Vanessa Redgrave as the wise sage of "seize the day" theory gives a resounding speech about "jumping into the river of life." Another false note was the dogma-style hand-held camera technique which gives a gritty realism that is jarring to the fairy tale like story the director so desperately wants to sell. By the end, instead of cheering on the lovers my sympathies were with their discarded partners.

drsusan I loved the unpolished, almost unscripted, real behaviors of the characters in this movie. Being urged to see that "illusion is the scent of something real coming close," and the encouragement to "jump into life" and to not settle for simply nice or no-trouble relationships is the message. And being open to the magic and deep connections that you may come upon in your path.

Paul Creeden This film is a mystery. An unsolved mystery. Who is this Henry Jaglom? How does he get money together to make a movie like this? Who is Ms. Foyt, the leading lady? Is she an actress? Why were Stephen Dillane and Vanessa Redgrave in this film? Are their agents still alive? Why were Jagloms on the beach in Israel given higher billing than established British character actors in the cast? Was the Royal Academy notified? Was Scotland Yard notified? Is Mr. Jaglom still allowed in England? Isn't it eerie how a film, obviously perfect for cheapo cable stations, wasn't actually made for cable? My prayer for any fellow film viewer is that this film is NOT deja vu.