Critical Analysis Of The Movie 'Adjustment Bureau'

Adjustment Bureau Maya Roberts

Theory: Existentialism I have freedom.

Philosopher(s): Sartre and Kierkegaard

Definition: A reaction to the idea that an objective knowledge of the human can be attained by applying the scientific method of sociology and psychology. We are our own choices, we have freedom.

Character and Title of film: David and Elise, Adjustment Bureau

David said to his audience that we have freedom, our “future is about your choices, not theirs”. We see existentialism giving him, and us, freedom to make our own choices; just as Sartre believed, we are on our own. David had freedom to see Elise with chance (should it be by chance?). The Adjustment Bureau tried to stop him by making sure somebody got him (what do you mean by

According to Hospers “The unconscious is the master of every fate and the captain of every soul.” In this example, Hospers means that because David participated in the college prank, it determined his fate of losing that year’s election of the State of New York’s seat in the Senate. When he lost, he gave his speech about if he wore a blue tie, voters will think of him as one thing compared to if he wore a red tie, and about how it persuades voters to perceive David a certain way. His previous actions would be his tester group to see how the colour of his tie, the scuff on his shoe, and the phrases he uses would determine his poll ratings. Another example of this is when youDavid got drugged with chloroform and the Adjustment Bureau told him that if he does actions that are not allowed, they would reset his life. This is determinism because his actions would determine his fate of lifelessness. LaPlace says “freedom is nothing but an illusion”. This is evident on the boat when Harry explained to David that the Bureau will always make sure that David would not see Elise again. LaPlace’s theory of determinism is proven when David’s fate is determined by those superior to him. The decisions and actions of Bureau have a great influence on the decisions and actions that David makes. Another example of LaPlace’s theory of determinism is when the Adjustment Bureau killed David’s father to solidify David running for the State of New York’s seat in the Senate. This is LaPlace’s theory of determinism due to David’s father taking him to the gallery because “JFK was his idol”, as a result David saw his father’s passion. When his father died, it cemented his decision to be in the public view. Thompson said “You can’t run your fate”. Thompson is saying that the choices you have made previously, sometimes according to your plan or from chance, will affect your