Der Plan (The Adjustment Bureau)
U.S.A. 2011

Opening 10 Mar 2011

Directed by: George Nolfi
Writing credits: George Nolfi, Philip K. Dick
Principal actors: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Lisa Thoreson, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie

Do we control our destiny or are we being manipulated by mysterious forces? David Norris (Oscar winner Matt Damon), an ambitious politician in the middle of his campaign, is finding out the hard way. After meeting the charismatic ballet dancer Elise (Emily Blunt, The Devil Wears Prada) and falling helplessly in love with her, a group of stern men in dark suits suddenly appear from nowhere, catapulting him through the air whilst delivering their warning to stay away from her. Their argument: She does not figure in the plan of the Adjustment Bureau. The bullying agents make it clear he has to accept his predetermined path as written in “The Plan”. It is made clear that they will do everything in their power to prevent David and Elise from being together. One can easily guess that this does not stop David in trying to find her. Subsequently, he gets involved in a number of turbulent confrontations with the most powerful agents when one of them, the sympathetic Harry (Anthony Mackie), bravely comes to his aid.

George Nolfi’s (director, script) romantic fantasy thriller starts with aplomb and tempo, with funny scenes and invigorating music by Thomas Newman (Wall-E, Revolutionary Road). During the second half the thrill and tension wears a bit off as the story becomes rather predictable and the chasing repetitive. Nevertheless, John Toll (Oscar-winning director of photography) impresses with his innovative filming by beautifully transforming and showing off the grandiose historical buildings of New York City. (Birgit Schrumpf)