The Adjustment Bureau

Many of us like to believe that there is someone or something out there watching over us and guiding our lives. In The Adjustment Bureau, Matt Damon has just discovered who they are. Carrying our book of life with them, these hat-wearing guardians watch over us ensuring that our path of destiny stays the course. When New York senatorial candidate David Norris (Damon) meets a modern dancer named Elise (Emily Blunt) they instantly hit it off and sparks fly. But according to the plan, Elise is intended to inspire David only; by design they are never to meet again. But David has never felt this way about a girl before. For three years he has continued to look for her riding the same bus at the same time every day. His handlers must get creative to keep David and Elise apart. David Norris is a persistent man.
 
When David accidentally discovers these fedora-wearing watchers he also learns about their time-saving portals. When entered, these secret doors instantly transport you to another part of the city. This way the watchers can cover many areas in a short amount of time. David learns that each person is assigned to a watcher who becomes their own personal case manager, but since there are more people than agents, they can’t watch everyone all the time. Therefore they may cover more than one person and can only be present for life-changing events.
 
Anthony Mackie plays David’s case manager Harry Mitchell. He answers to Richardson played by John Slattery. Harry Mitchell has been following David and his family for a very long time. He is weary and has grown too sympathetic and attached to his client. His error leads David to the discovery of the Adjustment Bureau and Richardson has been sent by the Chairman to clean things up. It is only through Harry’s intervention that David hasn’t been re-set. To be re-set means having your memory wiped and this would be a tragedy for anyone.
 
This story has the feel of an earlier time and may remind you of something like the Twilight Zone. For me it reminded me of the kind of science-fiction short stories that I read in my youth. This film has a definite retro feel, but what makes this film work overall is the interesting idea and the enchanting chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. This dynamic propels the story and if their relationship weren’t believable then the film would have no lasting power. Also it is nice to have a sci-fi film that is a little more cerebral and doesn’t consist solely of monsters and explosions. The action in this film is more like a political thriller and the special effects enhance the film and do not overwhelm it.
 
I found The Adjustment Bureau different and refreshing and Matt Damon and Emily Blunt really suited each other well. Their relationship sustains the film throughout and they’re the main reason you should see this one. If The Adjustment Bureau doesn’t make you suspicious of men in hats at least it will make you think the next time you spill coffee or miss a bus. If it’s in your plan, go see it, but if you find it sold out, it wasn’t meant to be.

Rating: First Run A cerebral film to hang your hat on