They make sure everything happens “according to plan.” That’s right — the detailed script of every life from the prestigious career path right down to unexpected coffee stain — they make sure it all stays on course. That is the job of the Adjustment Bureau.
Written and directed by first-time director George Nolfi “The Adjustment Bureau” creatively and thoughtfully asks questions about destiny free will and how much say we really have in our future.
Matt Damon plays David Norris who falls deeply in love with Emily Blunt as Elise Sellas after the media releases a photo of his college party days and ruins his chances of being elected to the Senate. She is the girl of his dreams. But it isn’t “in the plan and David becomes the man of the Adjustment Bureau’s nightmares: He will stop at nothing to be with Elise.
It would be difficult to classify the film in one single genre. Action, maybe? Sci-fi? There is definitely a romantic twist — the romantic subplot essentially drives the film and Damon’s and Blunt’s on-screen chemistry is electric. The inability to place a single label on the film proves both its versatility for audience members and its depth.
Much like Christopher Nolan’s Inception The Adjustment Bureau” could be considered a smart film and multiple viewings would greatly aid an understanding of the film’s deeper ideological statements. The strength of the film lies not only in its general premise — as great as they are we all need a break from the “Hangover”-style films — but in its ability to genuinely connect with most if not all audience members. Everyone has experienced that situation. You know the one. Despite your best efforts you can’t help but wonder if everything in the world isn’t working against you. We have all had to at one time resign ourselves to failure and say “It just wasn’t meant to be.”
Well Nolfi would argue that maybe it was meant to be. The outcome of his movie essentially says anything is possible if you try hard enough.
Of course the universe is never actively working against any of us as it does against David in the film. But the depiction of such frustration on screen is both relatable and believable even though the idea of an actual Adjustment Bureau is fairly fantastic.
The final message that love does prevail (spoiler alert: David does not get his mind erased and does end up with Elise) leaves the audience feeling only momentarily satisfied after 110 minutes of vicarious frustration. Yet at the same time it leaves the viewer with more rather than fewer questions about the theme.
Who is ultimately in control of our destiny? That is a tough question to answer. David proved that he was in charge of his because of the power of his love for Elise. But those of us who are unaware of the Adjustment Bureau continue to believe in the alleged falsity of free will.
The religious subtext of the film implies a writer (aka God) who authors each and every plan. So who are we to change it? If we choose to diverge from His plan are we setting ourselves up for ultimate destruction? Or by being complacent with our predetermined plans are we helping to keep the universe in proper working order? The mystery of the Bureau members and the ambiguity of these questions work together to form a powerful film that requires multiple viewings to digest.
Do you believe in destiny? How about free will? Do you have the power to change your future? “The Adjustment Bureau” will set your head spinning with such questions.