Sunday, 6 March 2011

FILM: The Adjustment Bureau (dir: George Nolfi, 2011)


"Coincidence? I think not."
The first feature from screenwriter George Nolfi takes another Philip K. Dick concept and spins it into an engagingly intimate story on the power of love, fate and free will. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt both shine wonderfully as the couple who find an instant chance attraction but who are not part of The Plan and whose every attempt at developing their romance has to be thwarted by literal (and cleverly realised) Agents of Fate. The film is sumptuously shot - this is very much a movie-beautiful version of New York - with all the technical elements attractively polished. The story builds effectively to an efficient chase climax (but try not to have Monsters Inc. in mind when the 'doors' come into play). This is a satisfying film, but it does not quite escape from the fact that is is a rather thin allegory stretched over 105 minutes, and the careful, low-key approach gives it grace and weight but detracts from its overall viewing impact.

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