The Adjuster had been on my radar for its appearance on a far distant version (1993) of the TIFF Top 10 Canadian Films of All Time. The film piqued more curiosity because this is an early Atom Egoyan film and how difficult finding a copy would be.
Noah Render (Elias Koteas) is an insurance adjuster who is extra kind and empathetic to those whose houses were lost. The victims get put up in a motel. Noah's wife Hera (Arsinée Khanjian, wife of Atom Egoyan) works as a film censor. They live with their child Simon (Armen Kokorian) and her sister Seta (Rose Sarkisyan) in an unfinished suburban development without neighbours.
We see examples of rule breaking: Noah sleeps with some of his clients in the motel while Hera secretly tapes footage of sexual content and brings that home for Seta to watch.
Bubba (Maury Chaykin) and Mimi (Gabrielle Rose) are a couple into public displays of sexual energy and attention.
The film shows how these worlds mix.
There is a noticeable pattern in some of Atom Egoyan's earlier films where he explores several stories and builds them into the crescendo of his choosing. The characters in The Adjuster are well-crafted and fun to watch. Even if you don't know where the film is going, this film is the journey as much as the destination.
When Tyler (Don McKellar) joins the censor organisation, you are curious what to make of his curiosity over Hera is doing.
Eventually the couples meet for an ending we can't divulge.
Other notable actors in the film include Jennifer Dale (Arianne) and Jacqueline Samuda (Louise, the maid).
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Atom Egoyan paints dark pictures. The moaning in the film theatre. The anxiousness of those feeling trapped in this motel world. The stark aloneness of the "neighborhood" where Noah and Hera live.
This may not be your cup of tea. If this film sounds promising, you are in for a treat.
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The Adjuster won Best Canadian Feature Film at the 1991 Toronto International Film Festival. Atom Egoyan received a nomination for Best Direction for the film at the 1991 Genie Awards. The Adjuster finished 10th on the 1993 version of TIFF's Top 10 Canadian Films of All Time.
The Adjuster is available on the Criterion Channel.
video credit: Klokline Cinema
photo credit: The Adjuster
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