Grade: A Scene Says: It’s no ‘Bourne Ultimatum,’ but it’s quite good.
Can one outrun one’s fate? “The Adjustment Bureau” answers that question quite literally.
Based on the short story “The Adjustment Team,” by sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick, the film is a sci-fi-tinged romance not unlike “Gattaca” or “Code 46” in its ethos, and despite its fairly grave subject matter, it is incredibly entertaining and captivating in its human angle.
Matt Damon stars as rising political star David Norris, whose chance encounter with contemporary modern dancer Elise (Emily Blunt) sets him on an inexorable path. Elise’s character is instantly lovable — she is irreverent, ebullient and free-spirited. David has a reputation for being a “loose cannon,” but under her influence, he loosens up instead.
So, their romance blossoms until David encounters the men of the Adjustment Bureau, who tell him, “You peeked behind a curtain you weren’t supposed to know exists.” Apparently, it is not according to the “plan” for David and Elise to be together.
Even though the plausibility of the level of ardor they have for each other from just a few encounters requires a leap of faith, both Damon and Blunt play their roles perfectly and their on-screen chemistry carries the storyline well. There are a couple of silly moments, such as when David must be prevented from seeing Elise dance by the Adjustment Bureau because he will instantly fall in love with her if he does (gasp — he does). But these minor hiccups do not detract from the overall enjoyment of seeing their relationship grow.
Director George Nolfi’s (“Ocean’s Eleven,” “The Bourne Ultimatum”) portrayal of “The Adjustment Bureau” as fate’s company men is incredibly amusing. The use of corporate speak — e.g. the higher being is “The Chairman,” “angels” are “case officers,” “briefcases” are interventions — is clever and apt in building the mythology. The various adjustments, calibrations and irregularities are very reminiscent of “a glitch in the Matrix” motifs and accessible to the viewer (no elaborate sci-fi mumbo jumbo here).
The droll, Englishmen-like bureau men have serious jobs, but certainly have a sense of humor. The dapper bureau men are powerful but not omnipotent — as Harry, one of the bureau’s men who comes to David’s aid explains it’s all science. They have an interest in making sure humans do not screw up too much, but they cannot read their minds or observe everyone at all times and can only predict outcomes based on the percentages. Therein lies David and Elise’s out — there is a margin for irregularities, chance and the big one, free will.
“The Adjustment Bureau” is a thrilling film with just the right mix of sci-fi plot elements and a strong human story — it is clever and funny, without being overbearingly technical or requiring extreme suspension of disbelief.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
