Do we leave things to fate, or are we part of some big plan?

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2011)

Are we in control of our lives, do we leave things to fate, do our choices determine the course of our lives, or are we a miniscule part of some unfathomable plan? Though found in bits and pieces, this movie is an astounding answer to at least one of these questions.
New York Congressman David Norris (Matt Damon) is a serious contender as the youngest politician in a campaign vying for a seat in the US Senate. As a charismatic crowd pleaser, he is loved by the media and the masses alike. His greatest strength is the high level of transparency he is known for. Needles to say, transparency and politics have never gone hand-in-hand but this is why he is loved as a politician. On the flip side, David's tendency to react on an impulse also gets him to the front pages, but with diminished fervour. After one such incident and a chance encounter, David meets Elise (Emily Blunt), instantly igniting a spark that draws them together. Unknown to them, there are forces at work, arduously preventing a further union. When David questions their authority, he is faced with alarming consequences that could jeopardise his relationship with Elise. As a result, David is left with a choice where he must never see Elise again or risk destroying his and her aspirations in life; this includes his rise to power and her becoming a famous ballet dancer.
Written for the screen and directed by George Nolfi, this directional debut is affluent in creativity and intelligent story telling. Prior to trying his hand at directing, Nolfi wrote the scripts for "Ocean's Twelve" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" (both starring Matt Damon). It is no surprise then, why this works for Nolfi. The concept alone is thought proving enough to engage the viewer from start to finish. If you have ever wondered why things don't go according to plan or why life sometimes throws a nasty curve ball, it is because a shadow organisation is ensuring we (as humans) do not deviate from a pre-existent, albeit, almighty plan. Conceptually, this is the film's profound message and is plausible in the way the plot unfolds. As the title indicates, agents from the Adjustment Bureau personify Heaven's angels or "Case Officers" as one agent calls himself. All case officers enforce instructions or 'adjustments' as written by "The Chairman". Playing some of these agents are Anthony Mackie, John Slattery and Terence Stamp, in order of hierarchy. While Mackie's character tries to help David, Stamp's Thompson is an ominous force to deal with.
Although this is a plot driven film, what really makes this a 2011 standout is having Matt Damon and Emily Blunt as love truck leads. More than just a love story, the concept here relies on bitter-sweet romance compounded by mystery and uncertainty. What makes this a must watch is the cheer chemistry between Damon and Blunt. While David tries to stand in the way of an omnipresent force, his screen time with Elise is few and short. This adds to the overwhelming feeling of wanting them to be together. If you are hopeless romantic, a box of Kleenex should help suppress those tears.
Coming back to Nolfi, and since this is his first film as a director, I am left with nothing but praises for his attempt at putting together an off-beat romantic thriller. While I can place the film somewhere between "City of Angels" and "The Butterfly Effect", The Adjustment Bureau holds its ground in creative thinking. Yes, there are a couple of plot holes towards the end, while the build up of suspense and mystery is rewarded by a low-key climax. But considering everything else this film has to offer, Nolfi can be given the benefit of doubt with as much as an applaud for his efforts in producing what will be considered unforgettable and unconventional.
Come Oscar season 2012, I won't be surprised if this film is nominated for an Academy Award.