The Adjustment Bureau: Fate vs. Free Will
Keli Schumacher
Professor Ahmed
English 003A
Adjustment Bureau
22 November 2012
Fate vs. Free Will—the Adjustment Bureau In the movie, The Adjustment Bureau, based on the book by Philip K. Dick, two strangers find themselves drawn together by the will of the universe. Others may refer to that as simple fate. I was surprised and then won over by The Adjustment Bureau, with its deep themes about our existence, free will and fate. How much power exactly do the agents of fate hold over someone’s life? Can free will ever win over fate? And is it free will or fate that orchestrates action? These are the questions that come to mind throughout George Nolfi’s newest film, “The Adjustment Bureau,” based on the short story by Philip K. Dick. “The intention of this film is to raise questions-that’s what art should do,” commented Nolfi about this soon-to-be-released motion picture at a Pasadena screening. I definitely agree that this film raised many questions. I don’t think you can create an equivalency of this film to Christian theology or Scripture. (Internet Encyclopedia) This is a film that deals with all kinds of forms of thinking about these issues. Is there one plan? How do I find the plan? What if I get off the plan? (Zakarin) The character David Norris, on the eve of his election night, by chance, meets Elisa Sellas. She is a beautiful contemporary ballet dancer who is unlike any woman he has ever known. And chance, it seems, continues to bring them together, despite what the men in grey suits and hats-the agents of fate- have got to say about it. The men of the Adjustment Bureau will do everything in their considerable power to prevent Norris and Sellas from being together. Why? We are not really sure either…..but we know it has something to do with ultimate plans, inflection points, and a never-to-be-seen mysterious “Chairman.” Throughout the movie, the agents continually try to detour Norris from running
Professor Ahmed
English 003A
Adjustment Bureau
22 November 2012
Fate vs. Free Will—the Adjustment Bureau In the movie, The Adjustment Bureau, based on the book by Philip K. Dick, two strangers find themselves drawn together by the will of the universe. Others may refer to that as simple fate. I was surprised and then won over by The Adjustment Bureau, with its deep themes about our existence, free will and fate. How much power exactly do the agents of fate hold over someone’s life? Can free will ever win over fate? And is it free will or fate that orchestrates action? These are the questions that come to mind throughout George Nolfi’s newest film, “The Adjustment Bureau,” based on the short story by Philip K. Dick. “The intention of this film is to raise questions-that’s what art should do,” commented Nolfi about this soon-to-be-released motion picture at a Pasadena screening. I definitely agree that this film raised many questions. I don’t think you can create an equivalency of this film to Christian theology or Scripture. (Internet Encyclopedia) This is a film that deals with all kinds of forms of thinking about these issues. Is there one plan? How do I find the plan? What if I get off the plan? (Zakarin) The character David Norris, on the eve of his election night, by chance, meets Elisa Sellas. She is a beautiful contemporary ballet dancer who is unlike any woman he has ever known. And chance, it seems, continues to bring them together, despite what the men in grey suits and hats-the agents of fate- have got to say about it. The men of the Adjustment Bureau will do everything in their considerable power to prevent Norris and Sellas from being together. Why? We are not really sure either…..but we know it has something to do with ultimate plans, inflection points, and a never-to-be-seen mysterious “Chairman.” Throughout the movie, the agents continually try to detour Norris from running