John Boorstin's The Adjustment Bureau

John Boorstin realized that through his “eye’s theory” there are three different aspects of a movie that affect your viewpoint of the film simultaneously: the voyeuristic, vicarious, and visceral. What Boorstin concluded was that these three forces impose a particular feel on the viewer. The Adjustment Bureau represents each of these “three eyes” the best. First, the “voyeuristic” eye to film is the philosophy behind the films production. Every film that has ever been produced is subject to the context of the era in which it is created. Second, is the “vicarious” eye of the film, which deals with the emotional attachment to the movie. This is the gut feeling you get while you are watching a film. Third, the “visceral” eye is simply the thrill …show more content…
It is one that is meant to get the audience thinking and to leave them that way. The intention was frustration. However, that being said, The Adjustment Bureau is a superb example of Boorstin’s “three eyes” theory. The film follows the life of ambitious politician Davis Norris who is making a run for the New York Senate seat. After being blown out by his competitor, he meets the love of his life Elise in the men’s restroom of the hotel. This is where the voyeuristic aspect of the movie comes into place, and it involves your free will. Do people have control over their destiny, or is it decided for …show more content…
This film is action packed and is very fast paced. David Norris is almost always on the run and his constant running from the Bureau keeps the film paced very nicely. For many viewers, the enjoyment of the film came from its visceral aspect. The fear of the unknown for Davis Norris is what kept this particular eye strong throughout the film. As the audience becomes drawn deeper into the story, it is impossible to not feel inspired by David Norris persistence. This keeps the thrill and the excitement of the film exceptional throughout the