There has always been a conflict between beliefs in free will and God's plan or fate. Finally, we can now put this debate to rest. People have a little wiggle room regarding choice, but not the big or life determining things. David Norris (Matt Damon) not only believes in free will (as all politicians must or what's the point?), he fights the forces that control his own fate so he can be with the woman he loves. These guys in silly hats (favored by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra in the 1960's), members of the Adjustment Bureau, infiltrate people's lives whenever they veer from their predestined path according to notebooks that track lives much like Harry Potter's map that tracks people's movements in Hogwarts. The Adjustment Team members have supernatural powers (being agents of He who remains unnamed), but it seems love is even more powerful. David finds out about the Bureau, his destiny and that of the woman he loves, Elise (Emily Blunt), and bucks the system big time (it's assumed this fast rising politician is a Democrat) to write his own fate and be with his beloved.
I often have a problem with romance in movies. Why do any two people fall in love in a movie. Usually, it's just because they're in the same place. I call it 'love by propinquity.' I don't see any real spark or simpatico; the screenwriters throw the characters together and nobody else is around. The best intentional film in this vein is 'Swept Away' (1974), in which two people who hate each other are marooned on a Mediterranean island. Take 2010's 'Knight and Day,' in which a relationship eventually forms between the protagonists because they're forced to stay together and have an adventure. Usually, they're just in the same office and the script proceeds. But in 'The Adjustment Bureau,' a man and a woman accidentally meet in a men's room, talk for a few minutes and fall in love. And I buy it! This is brilliant writing and great acting. They're lives will never be the same because of this brief social interaction . There is chemistry between them at a deep level, far beyond sexual attraction, but a true meeting of the minds and hearts. This rarely happens in film and I appreciate it when it's done convincingly.
Also, the film relies more heavily on story than special effects even though the theme is science fiction. We still feel the other-worldliness (even with all the lame hats), though it's sad to think angels are all men only, and more yes-men and executive assistants than empathetic celestial immortals. The special effects are simple (doors leading to unexpected locales) and sparse. We aren't wowed by eye candy so much as thrilled by the lovers' struggle to be able to live their lives together. Reminds me of 'Stairway to Heaven' (1946) in which another couple fight heaven itself to stay together. 'Stairway' is a lot more amusing and fantastical if not as tense and fast paced as 'The Adjustment Bureau.' Both are reflections of their times. Post World War II was a time of great excitement and joy, filled with hope for the future. Now is the time of distrust of suits (and it seems hats) while most of us contend with an economic hole the Western World has yet to climb out of. Both times, maybe all times, appreciate a man's fight against immense odds. Ah, the power of love. Too bad it didn't open in time for Valentine's Day.
The Adjustment Bureau
Director: George Nolfi
Writer: George Nolfi from the short story 'Adjustment Team' by Philip K. Dick
Cast: Matt Damon. Emily Blunt, Terence Stamp, Anthony Macki, John Slattery, Michael Kelly
Rated: PG-13
Opening March 4 in San Francisco
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