The Bourne Identity Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)June 18th, 2002
"Bourne" to Run and Loving It
by Homer Yen
(c) 2002
German actress Franka Potente once starred in an uber-kinetic and ultra-cool film called "Run Lola Run." Here she plays Matt Damon's jaded and unwitting accomplice in an almost equally-kinetic and pretty cool film that could have been called "Run Jason Run." Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is running for his life. He's being hounded by shadowy figures, pursued by assassins, and chased hither and yon by squads of policeman throughout Europe. And he doesn't even know why.
"The Bourne Identity" is a skillful espionage thriller that follows Bourne's desperate attempt to piece together the past two weeks of his life to which he has no memory. As the film opens, we see his body floating on the Mediterranean Sea. A passing fishing trawler pulls him out of the water. As the boat crew examines him, they notice that he has been shot twice in the back and that there is a hidden capsule buried beneath his skin that reveals the number of a Swiss bank account. Bourne, who eventually regains consciousness, has no recollection why he was shot, the origin of the capsule, or even his name. But the Swiss bank is the first place to go, and thus begins his personal mission to discover his identity and the truth.
However, certain conspiratorial operatives within our government are concerned about Bourne's re-emergence. It may have something to do with an assassination attempt on a world leader. It may have something to do with secret knowledge that he possesses. The audience would like to know, and this plot mechanism allows us to side with Bourne, and we hope that he has the resources to succeed.
In the meantime, a massive manhunt has begun. Authorities all over Europe have been alerted while special agents have been dispatched to kill Bourne. By this time, however, Bourne's personal mystery deepens. The contents of his Swiss account only serve to pose more questions rather than reveal answers. His next stop will be Paris. But he needs help. Bumping into a gypsy named Marie (Franka Potente), he offers her $10,000 to drive him to the City of Lights. "What kind of person offers $10,000 for ride to Paris," she asks?
It's just another question that needs to be answered.
Most of his questions will be answered. The audience, however, may leave with some unanswered ones. For example, there is no resolution to the Jason Bourne character. Once it's over, where does he go? There is some confusion as to the plot arc. And why is the gifted Julia Stiles given such a thankless role?
Nonetheless, "The Bourne Identity" has the look and feel of a great international spy story. Damon does a pretty good job as the weathered but focused man-on-the-run. There is a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere that most spy films never achieve. We are given plenty of insight into the craft of spying. And the action is plentiful with martial arts combat and a deft driving sequence. The hand-to-hand combat scenes, however, were choppy and too quickly edited. Yet, you will enjoy a nifty car chase in which Bourne has to outrun and outmaneuver several police cars as he drives against oncoming traffic, through narrow alleyways, and down stairs. You'll also like the cinematography, which makes these international locales look more exotic and lambent. This film ranks as one of the most entertaining offerings this summer and one of the better-crafted spy films in recent memory.
Grade: B+
S: 1 out of 3
L: 1 out of 3
V: 2 out of 3
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