Movie Review: "The Adjustment Bureau"

The Adjustment Bureau

Directed by: George Nolfi
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terrence Stamp, Anthony Mackie
Rated: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality, and a violent image.

William Henley's poem "Invictus" praises whatever gods are responsible for "his unconquerable soul" which is broken but unbowed. Man, by sheer will, fights against the forces at work, his defiance driving him on. It’s similar to the character played by Matt Damon in the film The Adjustment Bureau, where Damon’s character must fight off the powers of The Chairman (or god) who has planned the world’s path and intends to keep on track. While the premise is terrific, the execution falls short, and the philosophy of the film is just plain troubling.

The story attempt to flow from David Norris’ (Matt Damon) inner struggle between choosing to a life with the girl he’s infatuated with (Emily Blunt) or following the puny deity’s “plan” for Norris and Elise’s careers. This back-and-forth inner turmoil is literally the entire plot of the film, giving the film a bipolar feel as we follow Norris’ ever changing mind with little action, twists, or plot points to cause thought or reflection.

More troubling is the view of the neutered deity who is subject to chance and whose plan apparently has no rhyme or reason. We’re never really told why they can’t be together or what the plan will eventually bring about. Instead of a strong deity whom loves humanity and has a sovereign plan for eternal redemption (as in Job 38), the deity falls for the unrequited passion of finite man who foolishly believes that the desires of his heart will be filled by a woman he met three years prior. A god should see the bigger picture than that.

While the best movies communicate their philosophies through story, The Adjustment Bureau almost skips the form altogether and gives you straight philosophy. Unfortunately, its as weak as the deity it portrays.

Archive Analysis: "Rain Man"

Rain Man

Directed by: Barry Levinson
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
Rated: R (my unofficial reasoning would be for harsh language and some sexuality.)

While I often understand Academy’s reasoning for choosing their best picture winners, the 1988 film Rain Man is a little bit of a mystery to me. Sure, Dustin Hoffman is terrific and the story is heartwarming, but the movie far too cliché and processed to have any real significance. Tom Cruise’s character goes from hating Hoffman’s character one moment to choosing him over three million dollars the next without any real reasoning. Everything in the story (including a family that randomly lets these strangers into their home to watch People’s Court) feels more like Hollywood than reality, distancing the impact or power of the film. Don’t get me wrong, Rain Man, minus the cussing and sexual content, is a good film. However, it’s Hollywood processed script, illogical character progression, and failure to bring any real theme to the subject of those mentally handicapped hinders the film from deserving the accolades it won.

Archive Analysis: "The Royal Tenenbaums"

The Royal Tenenbaums

Directed by: Wes Anderson
Starring: Gene Hackman, Angelica Huston, Ben Stiller,
Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray
Rated: R for some language, sexuality/nudity and some drug content

Flashy existential director Wes Anderson makes sure all of his films have a distinct voice and crazy characters, but often say very little in terms of real theme. However, his film the Royal Tenenbaums seems to break the mold, actually having cultural importance and relevance while keeping the voice and characters that define his films. Throughout the dark comedy (which features the incredible Gene Hackman) the Tenenbaum family of misfits have built their lives of self-sufficiency and dishonesty. However, the father’s up-coming “death” causes the family to not only become honest with one another, but to also see the value and importance of living as a community. While there is far too much rough language (and a few nudie shots) to warrant it any real moralistic praise, The Royal Tenenbaums does fly in the face of the self-sufficient individualism plaguing society today, and it does so in an entertaining fashion.

Archive Analysis: "Robin Hood"

Robin Hood

(1973)
Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Peter Ustinov
Rated: G

Why is it that the best adaptation of Robin Hood is an animated version by Disney? Because it understands the emotions of the story better than the Costner or Crowe versions. Like the literature centuries before it, the animated tale brings out the mythical, romantic version of the story that we all long to see. The film focuses on Robin's bravery and generosity, as well as his cunning nature. Interestingly enough, the story is often seen from the perspective of others besides Robin. This not only makes the hardships more powerful (like the mean sheriff stealing the young bunny’s birthday present) but also keeps Robin as a mythical and sly figure in the story; you don’t always know where he’ll appear or what he’ll do next. Add the incredible humor of the storytelling, and Roger Miller’s melodies, and you have one the most legendary animated films ever made.