By Danielle Wong, News Correspondent
Imagine a world where free will doesn’t exist. Instead, it is merely a facade – a front to make humans believe they possess some trace of control over their own lives.
Welcome to the modern day society dreamed up by director George Nolfi. “The Adjustment Bureau” depicts the life of David Norris, a fictional politician played by Matt Damon. On the brink of potential success, Norris is consumed with his campaign, unable to focus on anything else. But one fateful night, Norris meets a mysterious ballerina named Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) who captures his interest and heart alike.
David is instantly enamored and sets out to somehow sweep Sellas off her feet. Unfortunately for the politician and his new found dream girl, The Adjustment Bureau, a group of agents with the power to control and shape the fates of the population, has other plans. According to the Bureau, he is not to see her again. David is warned that dire aftereffects will result if he chooses to pursue her.
As a tangled sequence of events unfolds, the characters fight to stay together while being pushed apart by this higher power. Driven by pure emotion, Norris must risk his life to fight for the one thing he knows to be true: his love for Sellas. As he soon finds out, every decision has a significant consequence that impacts not only his own path, but hers as well.
This film displays a snapshot of a bizarrely hypothetical society posing as modern-day America. Filled with artifice and convoluted emotional dilemmas, it tests viewers’ judgment, urging them to question which forces influence their own lives.
Damon and Blunt display impressive performances, adding to the film’s appeal. Damon reinforces his widespread renown, while Blunt continues to establish herself as a versatile actress. She has natural talent and gracefully captivates the audience with her role as a dancer. Damon is pensive throughout most of the movie, weighing heavy decisions with an unforced brand of raw emotion.
Set against a hazy New York City backdrop, scenic highlights include famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Cinematographer John Toll successfully weaves recognizable sites with ambiguous locations, making for a visually pleasing product. Toll manages to deliver a charming aesthetic without overpowering the storyline.
Equal parts sci-fi thriller and indulgent romance, “The Adjustment Bureau” strikes the perfect balance between intensely thought provoking and seriously entertaining. The plot toys with one’s mind by presenting a range of suspenseful scenarios for viewers to consider. Some situations are confusing and unrealistic, distracting the audience from Norris’ predicament. In order to truly understand “The Adjustment Bureau,” it is vital to pay close attention from beginning to end.
Despite a slightly foreseeable conclusion, Nolfi’s film places a refreshing emphasis on the underlying forces behind everyday decisions. The story suggests that a seemingly insignificant coincidence may be something more meaningful.
