The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt

directed by George Nolfi

screenplay by George Nolfi, based on a short story by Philip K. Dick

If you’re wondering why the name Philip K. Dick sounds familiar, you may of heard of other adaptions of his work: Blade Runner, Minority Report, and Total Recall to name a few. Needless to say, the source material comes from a pretty prolific source. The film tells the story of David Norris (Matt Damon), senatorial candidate whose life changes when he meets Elise (Emily Blunt) in a bathroom after losing his first election. Norris learns of a secret group of individuals responsible for pulling the strings that make society function, and what ensues is Norris slowly unravelling a supernatural conspiracy of global proportions. The Adjustment Bureau is engaging, and interesting. Damon provides a great protagonist, who expresses a wide range of characteristics and emotions that made him compelling. The plot is entwined in complex mystery, with the audience caught in an avalanche of puzzling questions. The film’s greatest flaw however is that it cannot decide whether or not is a love story or a science fiction mystery. Since it often tries to fulfill both, each facet suffers a little, sometimes losing the depth they deserve. Hence, neither the romance or science fiction elements are fully developed. The plot never really wraps up, ending with lots of ambiguity. Maybe this is in an attempt to leave the audience questioning what they just saw, but in some ways it merely feels dissatisfying and confused. Overall, this film is good amounts realism and fantasy, and an enjoyable adrenaline-pumping story of intrigue and originality.

Final Score: 3.2 out of 5