Déjà Vu, directed by Tony Scott, was filmed in early post-Katrina New Orleans, Louisiana. The story follows a government agent back in time. The agent is attempting to prevent a murder. He falls in love with the victim in the process. The script was written by Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii. Your dictionary will explain—if you don’t already know—that déjà vu in French, means ‘already seen’.   Tony Scott This director, otherwise known for his work in Top Gun, Spy Game, Crimson Tide, and recently Man on Fire and Domino, sometimes also works as a producer. With his partner and brother, Ridley Scott, they work under the business umbrella of Scott Free Productions. Ridley Scott directed another of Mr Caviezel’s films, G I Jane. [ top ]   Character “A Terrorist” We cannot discover the name of the character that Mr Caviezel plays in this film; however, we understand that the character is as described—a terrorist. This, from Film Stew Thanks to an indepth story analysis that we found November 17, 2006 from the Oklahoma State University paper (too many spoilers to publish a link...yet), we understand the character’s name to be Carroll Oerstadt. [ top ]   Pre-release Tidbits Some say that this is the first major film to be shot in that locale since the 2005 season hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, devistated the geography. January 5, 2006 Early on, filming began in New Orleans and was interrupted by the storms, which closed production. The project moved to Shreveport, then returned to New Orleans. January 14, 2006 A note about casting and the challenges faced when a natural disaster removes most of the options. January 16, 2006 Extra! Extra! Read All About It. Casting for the film, feared to be only lightly attended, delivered many locals eager to be part of this history. February 3, 2006 Katrina debris declared a ‘natural movie set’, documenting the state of the 9th ward. February 3, 2006 Jerry Bruckheimer, this film’s producer, participated in an all-star news conference announcing the beginning of principal photography in New Orleans. Other participants included not only Mr Caviezel, but Tony Scott, Val Kilmer and Denzel Washington. As well, they announced that Katrina debris and New Orleans otherwise, would figure prominently as characters in telling this story. And Mr Caviezel notes his early participation in relief work. July 13, 2006 Here is the pointer to the About.com page for this film. You can view trailers there and learn more about the actors involved. October 23, 2006 Filmjournal offers their pre-release take on this film. November 2, 2006 A wee script change dictated by casting Mr C in this role. November 7, 2006 Mr C discusses rehearsing with Denzel Washington, who prefers no rehearsal with other actors. More news about filming in New Orleans from Scott and Bruckheimer. November 14, 2006 Denzel Washington interview answers the question, “What’s it like to work with [Mr C]?” November 15, 2006 And from CanMag, you can watch a page full of clips. Enjoy! November 19, 2006 Details about the screenwriter, Marsilii, and his journey from page to set. The story includes a solid acknowledgement about Mr C. November 21, 2006 Tony Scott discusses why he picked Mr C to play the terrorist role, and how the two of them formed the character. November 22, 2006 More about choosing post-Katrina New Orleans as a site for the story. November 28, 2006 Although published post-release, this tidbit answers the question: “When you look around the room, who do you see?” [ top ]   Interviews Added November 15, 2006 On press day, in Los Angeles, IESB.net captured a video interview with Mr C. In it, he describes how he arrived at the character he plays in this film. Added November 21, 2006 Mr C discusses playing a ‘bad guy’ in this interview from About.com. Added November 22, 2006 Mr C explains how he developed an internal motivation to play this character. Also, for the first time, he discusses his son and his Swiss roots. Added November 23, 2006 A few new tidbits in this Canadian interview with Mr C. Added November 26, 2006 One more Canadian interview that includes revealing details from Mr C about developing this character and playing this part in New Orleans. [ top ]   Reviews Even prior to opening, good reviews are in. Added November 20, 2006 Hollywood Reporter publishes an informed review that includes a few nice words about Mr C’s work. And in its (generally very positive) review published November 17, Variety’s staff critic wrote: “Caviezel is pure right-wing malevolence in a role that counters his usually beatific countenance.” And another from our friends in the Southern Hemisphere. Added November 22, 2006 The Arizona Republic writer Randy Cordova, offers a punch line that we can’t resist. And three stars from The Chicago Tribune from Michael Wilmington, in his review. Added November 23, 2006 The high marks are in from The Christian Science Monitor in its positive review, including a nice acknowledgement for Mr C’s work Added November 25, 2006 Palo Alto Online votes (three) in favour of your seeing this film. Added November 26, 2006 Smart Popcorn recommends that you see the film. It’s smart and enjoyable, according to their review. Added November 29, 2006 And from a site that doesn’t like the movie, this comment about Mr C and his cohorts. “Finally, Jim Caviezel has an unfortunate minor role as the terrorist Carroll Oerstadt. Mr Caviezel has proved his talents time and time again in The Passion of the Christ and The Count of Monte Cristo. He is the most underrated performer in Hollywood today, and he is wasted in Déjà Vu, just like everyone else.” Added December 6, 2006 We vote for The Independent Student Newspaper of UNC at Greensboro to be the cheerleader for this film. Huzzah! [ top ]   FAQ Question Where can I find the official site? Answer This looks like the official site. [ top ]