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Deterrence - Disaster Film
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Deterrence

description Deterrence Overview

Deterrence is a 1999 political thriller written and directed by Rod Lurie in his feature-film directing debut. Set largely in a Colorado diner during a severe national crisis, it follows a fictional U.S. president as he confronts an Iraqi invasion and considers whether to use nuclear weapons. The film is structured around political argument, military escalation, and the moral consequences of nuclear brinkmanship rather than battlefield action.

help Deterrence FAQ

What is Deterrence about?

The 1999 political thriller follows a fictional U.S. president facing an Iraqi invasion during a severe national crisis. He must decide whether the crisis justifies using nuclear weapons.

Why is much of Deterrence set in a Colorado diner?

The diner becomes the confined command setting where the president and his advisers respond to the crisis. That single-location pressure is a central mechanic of the film's political suspense.

Who wrote and directed Deterrence?

Rod Lurie wrote and directed the film, which marked his feature-film directing debut. It was released in 1999. [Paramount Pictures](https://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/deterrence)

What year is the story of Deterrence set in?

Although the movie was released in 1999, Paramount describes its fictional crisis as taking place in 2008. The setting is therefore a near-future political scenario from the film's original perspective. [Paramount Pictures](https://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/deterrence)

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