I was lucky enough to view a screening of The Adjustment Bureau at Regent University about a week ago (the film will make it’s debut March 4, 2011 at a theater near you).
The major thematic element The Adjustment Bureau wrestles with is fate. It asks, “Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us?” David (Matt Damon) learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself–the men of The Adjustment Bureau–who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent him and Elise (Emily Blunt) from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path…or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her. It’s a fun and thrilling ride throughout.
In order to have a robust conversation about the flick, you really need to see the ending. I don’t want to give anything away but what I’d like to do is plant a seed in your mind as you watch it (and you should see it). Look for commentary on how Americans, and American Evangelicals in particular, talk about fate, free will, and God.
This movie has the potential to open up conversation about whether or not a deity is in control of our lives and to what extent. Which of course opens up the possibility for all sorts of rabbit trails. And who doesn’t love a bit of rabbit hunting?
