Review: The Adjustment Bureau

We've seen the works of Philip K. Dick on the big screen many times before. Sometimes the source material turns into great films (Blade Runner, Minority Report), other times, they're big misses (Next, Paycheck). The Adjustment Bureau, from first time director George Nolfi, falls somewhere in between, but thankfully, closer to the higher tier. After suffering some post-production problems and a delay release from late last year to early this year, the film was worried to be a dud, but it was able to tackle the issues it faced to turn out to be an enjoyable feature.

The film follows New York Senate candidate David Norris (Matt Damon), a man whos political life has not been definied so much by his politics, but by his impulsivness. He's not afraid to live the life he wants, evidienced by the terrific opening montage, where we see that he has been in a bar fight early in his political life, and more recently, the victim of a college reunion prank, which hurts his Senate chances. When he by chance meets a mysterious woman named Elise (Emily Blunt) however, his demenor begins to change. He feels something for this woman, as if they are meant to be. However, the "agents" of fate, the Adjustment Bureau, introduced to Norris by a man named Richardson (Mad Men's John Slattery), have an agenda to keep Norris away from Elise, by any means necessary.

The film's first act is a standout. It does a terrific job of setting up the plot, giving us Norris' backstory in subtle ways without having to make it obvious or blunt, and give us a taste of what the Adjustment Bureau is and what they're capable of. There was a slight concern that the film would have dimished the intelligent source material for more action. However, there is a good amount of information and character development to get us engaged in what's happening on screen. This is the kind of film that understands audiences are looking for not only good action, but a plot they can percieve, and characters they can care for. It also does a good job of explaining the physics of this world without making us feel stupid. Simply put, the film makes you think, but won't give you a headache.
 

Say what you will about these guys,
but when it comes to cars, they drive American.



The chemistry between Damon and Blunt was notably exceptional. Their first several scenes together feel so real, and they do a great job of showing the contrast between their character's personalities, which become a major factor later in the film. The film also tackles alot of heavy themes. The idea of having a destiny to fulfull, questions about humanities free will, the triumph of love above all else, and the idea of a creator or God and what that Being is. The film works with these themes and others on so many different levels and is able to successfully balance them for an enjoyable feature.


Nolfi also does a good job of balancing action with art house. There are several shots here that really impressed me, and his choice to use alot of wide angle lenses to introduce characters really gives the audience a sense of place without being overwhelmed. His action sense are crisp and easy to follow, without much hand-held camera moments; a rare feat in action scenes today.

The film, though, is not perfect. There are several moments that are unintentionally funny, and lines of dialouge that could have been re-written or cut. Also, there is the question of a certain characters disappearance towards the end of the film. There is no explaination, and it is as if the character was simply forgotten when the third act was written. I also question the replay value of the film. While The Adjustment Bureau does a good job with its story and describing its world and plot, there doesn't seem to be much here that one could gain from multiple viewings. It's an enjoyable first watch, but when it's over it is as if there is nothing that needs to be re explored on a second viewing. These minor issues however, do not take away from its good pacing and engaging characters. It's an enjoyable film that does not require full attention, but awards those that do give it that.

Grade: B+