Soofia Habib
Contributor
Based on the short story “Adjustment Team” by Philip K. Dick, The Adjustment Bureau is a fine indulgence of philosophical debates, heart pumping chases, and breathtaking romance.
Once again, Philip K. Dick brings us a story of characters that defy the higher order and reclaim their right to free will. Director George Nolfi does a fine job with the visual adaptation of the story and is able to seize the audience from the beginning to the end with a riveting plot.
The movie begins with David Norris (Matt Damon), a young New York politician running for the senate. He is focused and dedicated to his role as a congressman. However, while rehearsing his speech, a chance encounter with Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) turns his whole world into a swirl of havoc.
The choice of actors for the roles of David and Elise were well thought out and developed. There is a lot of chemistry between the actors, which makes their attraction to each other believable. Their dialogue seems to flow with ease, and there is a strong sense of intimacy.
The looming skyscrapers and the busy streets of New York City wonderfully symbolize David’s urgent rivalry against the eponymous adjustment bureau to find Elise and defy the superior power. Thomas Newman’s soundtrack is spectacular and heartfelt with its depiction of the commanding inquiries and emotions present in the film.
The encounters between David and the adjustment bureau are at times humorous and intriguing. The works of Philip K. Dick contain recurring themes about the power of free will, fate, and defying the greater authority. The adjustment bureau can be seen in two ways. From a political perspective, they are like FBI/CIA agents out to keep everyone on track and make sure they’re doing what the government wants them to do. From a religious standpoint, they are like angels set out to act on divine plans for each individual.
The debate between free will and fate leaves us questioning: if we all have the free will to live our lives, can we change fate and choose another path? Or is free will just an illusion, and all our lives are predestined? There are a lot of philosophical elements in the film that make the audience ponder such deeply metaphysical questions.
The film excels in that there is a controlled balance of themes, ultimately symbolizing a a society’s defiance against power. The cast illustrates desperation for each other. The antagonists are effectively representational, well-dressed, and persuasive in their need to keep the lovers apart. The dialogue is spellbinding. If you’re seeking to be captured by a movie that is deep and gripping with a taste of philosophy, drama, action and timeless romance, The Adjustment Bureau is just the enchantment.
