Philosophers have been debating the question of free will for centuries. But it’s unlikely any have done so as entertainingly as in “The Adjustment Bureau.” David (Matt Damon) thinks he’s in control of his own destiny — at least all of it except the polls. The country’s youngest member of Congress is running for the U.S. Senate and seems assured of a victory. But the rising star is something of a hothead — sound familiar? — and some youthful indiscretions sink his campaign.
| On screen ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ |
| 4 out of 5 stars |
| Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt |
| Director: George Nolfi |
| Rated: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality, and a violent image |
| Running time: 106 minutes |
He’s practicing his concession speech in a men’s room when a striking woman slinks out of one of the stalls. Elise (Emily Blunt), a British ballerina, shares David’s fondness for high jinks, but also has a smart outsider’s understanding of politics. It’s a strange place to meet, but the two are irresistibly drawn to each other. Elise inspires David to give the first authentic speech of his career — and his best. But he doesn’t even know the name of the woman who’s saved his career. He’ll eventually find out — on the strangest day of his life.
Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie), who’s been watching David for years, was told to make sure David spills coffee on his shirt one morning. Harry falls asleep. Instead of going home to change, David gets on a bus and sees Elise. He gets her number and gets to work. But something is wrong. The elevators and hallways are strangely empty, as are the vacant stares of his co-workers. He enters the office of his partner, Charlie Traynor (Michael Kelly), to find men in suits and gas masks poking at him with strange instruments.
They’re members, of course, of the titular Adjustment Bureau. When things in the world don’t go quite as planned, they’re sent in to make small tweaks to the humans that inhabit it. As one explains, when your Internet goes out or you’ve misplaced your keys, it might be coincidence — or it might be them. And David ending up with Elise is not part of the plan.
“The Adjustment Bureau” is that rare thing, an intelligent romance. Though based on a story by sci-fi master Philip K. Dick, the film is completely believable, thanks to the talents of its stars. Damon has never been more convincing — he has the easy charm of the born politician. The chemistry between him and Blunt, a free spirit who isn’t subject to the usual cliches, makes the idea of fate seem perfectly plausible.
The film stumbles a bit on its weighty subject: The Adjustment Bureau insists free will is an illusion, yet eventually gives David a crucial choice to make. Perhaps that’s part of the point. It’s impossible to watch a movie like this — as fast-moving as it is — and not question our own choices. Or lack of them.
