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reading log_Tagirova_Aida

Introduction

I've read a short science fiction story named "Adjustment Team" by Philip Kindred Dick. He was an American writer, whose published works mainly belong to the genre of science fiction. Dick explored philosophical, sociological and political themes in novels. He wrote approximately 121 short stories, most of which appeared in science fiction magazines during his lifetime. Although Dick spent most of his career as a writer in near-poverty, eleven popular films based on his works have been produced.

I've chosen this book to discuss because on the one hand events described in this book seem to me impossible and unreal, something that is behind reality; on the other hand after reading this story I asked myself questions like: do we really control our destiny or do unseen forces manipulate us? Does fate exist?

Summary

The story tells about Ed Fletcher, an estate agent with a normal life. One day he leaves the house for work a few minutes later than he should have. He arrives at a horrifying, grey and ash world. Ed goes home and tells his wife, Ruth, who goes back to the office with him. When they return, everything is normal. But he soon realizes people and objects have suddenly changed. He panics, he runs to a public phone to warn the police. Unexpectedly the phone booth ascends to the heaven with Fletcher inside. He meets the Old Man there, his first thought is he is dead. Then he understands that this is a so-called "adjustment team", a team of people who are to make corrections in the world: "The natural process must be supplemented—adjusted here and there. Corrections must be made. We are fully licensed to make such corrections. Our adjustment teams perform vital work."

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Fletcher is allowed to return without being de-energized, the Old Man threatens him that should he tell someone the truth, he will have a terrible fate when they meet again; and he adds that every person eventually meets the Old Man. Besides Fletcher should convince his wife that everything he has already told her was due to a temporary mental aberration.

His wife Ruth wants the truth, Fletcher tries to come up with a story she will believe. Desperately he stalls, praying for time. Suddenly a vacuum cleaner salesman rings the doorbell. While Ruth is distracted, Fletcher escapes to the bedroom and lights a cigarette with relief. He gratefully gazes up. "Thanks," he says softly. "I think we'll make it — after all. Thanks a lot."

The book "Adjustment Team" was transformed into an elaborate and thrilling film by George Nolfi The Adjustment Bureau (2011). To be honest I like the film more than the book, it rarely happens. I'd probably liked this story more if I hadn't known what it was about. The movie manages to portray the difficult balance between incredible thrill and passionate love.  It challenges spectators' interpretation of fate and free will.

My opinion

I watched the film first. I'm glad I’ve finally read the story that the popular movie is based on. The short story is very different to what I had expected. It's fun and gripping, may be just a bit underdeveloped in my opinion. The story ends with the scene when  Ed retreats to the bedroom and privately gives thanks for the break. The problem with short stories is that they're just short stories. Here is a brilliant idea that I've put out to the world. That's why I like them, they inspire you to think further and interpret things in your own way.  After reading the book you are left with questions, I believe, this is part of the author's plan.  If there hadn't been such an inspiring short story there wouldn't have been such a great film.

The "Old Man"

I believe the "Old Man" is the main character in the book. He is shown as the almighty overseeing force. He and his team make "adjustments" to the Earth whenever required. Ed Fletcher, an ordinary person, happens to witness a shift in people's lives he works with and then is basically sent to speak to God (the "Old Man") to discuss what he witnessed. I assume it is God since he has a long white beard and is the boss. 

"An old man sat quietly, in an immense modern chair. He watched Fletcher calmly, his blue eyes mild and tired......The Old Man spoke slowly, thoughtfully."

His eyes are tired probably because he's disappointed and dissatisfied with what happened. However the Old Man patiently explains to Ed that the adjustment is necessary, it will lead to the international scientific friendship and head off nuclear war.

His quiet behavior, his thoughtful speech, his calm voice and look, his mild and tired eyes...everything in my opinion shows his greatness and godhead. This is how I imagine God, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing and wise.