Face/Off

Face/Off is a 1997 American science-fiction action thriller film directed by John Woo, from a screenplay by Mike Werb and Michael Colleary. It stars John Travolta as an FBI agent and Nicolas Cage as a terrorist who undergo an experimental surgery to swap their faces and identities. The film co-stars Joan Allen, Gina Gershon, and Alessandro Nivola in his film debut, and features Dominique Swain in her film debut, Nick Cassavetes, Harve Presnell, Colm Feore, CCH Pounder, and Thomas Jane in supporting roles. Principal photography began on January 4, 1997, in Los Angeles and wrapped on April 1. The film score was composed by John Powell. Face/Off was Woo's third American film, and was his first in which he was given major creative control. Face/Off was theatrically released on June 27, 1997, in the United States by Paramount Pictures and internationally by Buena Vista International through its Touchstone Pictures banner. It earned critical acclaim for the performances by Cage and Travolta and its stylized action sequences. The film earned $246 million worldwide on an $80 million budget, making it the 11th highest-grossing film of 1997. At the 70th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Sound Effects Editing. Face/Off has gained a cult following and is considered as one of Woo's best films. A sequel is in development.