The Adjustment Bureau

Based on a short story by the acclaimed science fiction Author, Phillip K. Dick. The adjustment Bureau follows young politician, David Norris (Matt Damon) as he meets and falls in love with dancer, Elise (Emily Blunt). Things go strange when a mysterious group of hat adorning men with other worldly abilities step in to 'adjust' the couple's futures according to a master plan.


The film has been advertised as 'Bourne meets Inception,' which is accurate if the Bourne it references is Jason Bourne's quieter younger brother who has a keen interest in politics and if Inception was a film written by Danielle Steel. The film isn't as much an action film but more of a love story, which is fine, just not what I expected.

I always enjoy watching Matt Damon and this film is no inception... sorry I mean exception, the relationship between him and Blunt is lovely, it genuinely made me feel fairly warm inside which isn't really something I feel that often. When there is an action scene, which is a very rare occurrence, it is exciting and is shot very well and does actually have echoes of Bourne.


 I also like The Adjusters, they all have a fairly distinct personality and aren't faceless corporate goons. The hats are a nice touch and I think the idea that they run things behind a curtain that no one else knows about is intriguing. The references to a Chairman at the head of the bureau isn't a particularly subtle analogy to religion but it still works for me.


The film relies on the concept that there is a group of individuals who possess powers to ensure the human race sticks to a plan. Some films may get trapped by their concept and become concept driven. This film, however doesn't let the concept weigh it down. Yes there is the odd conversation about free will and obviously there is going to be some analogies to religion, but these are short and sweet. The concept remains in the background with the story of the two lovers firmly in the foreground which is what I think makes this film as watchable as it is. Its not perfect but it is good.