What was advertised as a sci-fi thiller is actually a romantic film about the strength of true love and obstacles it can overcome. In “The Adjustment Bureau,” director George Nolfi creates a passionate and enticing relationship between an unlikely pair who has to face the old-aged question: Is the power of love and free will greater than the power of fate?
One half of the pair played by Matt Damon (“Bourne Ultimatum”, “Good Will Hunting”, “True Grit”) is David Norris, a young, handsome and charismatic politician who is the frontrunner for the New York Senate seat. The youngest politician ever to run for Senate, David experiences a change in luck when the New York Post gets hold of an unfortunate picture from his wild youth resulting in a crashing halt at the polls and what seems to be the end of his political career.
As he prepares his concession speech in the bathroom of the Waldorf Hotel, David meets the second half to his mismatched pair. Emily Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada”, “Charlie Wilson’s War”), who plays Elise Sellas, a beautiful spontaneous dancer, appears from inside one of the stalls and sparks immediately begin to fly between the two. Her charm and free-spirit leave an impression on David and change his concession speech and career for the best.
After this abrupt meeting is sealed with a kiss, the two characters go their separate ways never expecting to meet again; however, only a few weeks later fate brings them together once again.
Finally, the sci-fi thriller twist starts to play its part as a hand full of fedora and top-coat clad agents, the “adjustment bureau,” come into play. These agents have one goal in mind and that is to keep these love-birds apart in order to keep their life on its predetermined track in the master plan created by the mysterious “Chairman.” David who is supposed to become President one day and Elise, a world famous dancer/choreographer, must be kept apart in order for their destined futures to come true.
As David continually tries to out-run his fate and change his life track, the “adjustment bureau” continues to put obstacles in his way. The journey David and Elise embark on is full of danger and chance with an outcome that could potentially change their relationship and life destiny forever.
Created with intricate and iconic images of NYC, this film is visually appealing and contextually confusing. Nolfi wants the audience to root for the power of love and free will, while questioning the true lengths and complications both can truly withstand.
The film is a unique and entertaining love story embedded into the appearance of an intriguing sci-fi thriller.
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