In 1980, Robert Ludlum released a book called The Bourne Identity. I never heard of that book, but it proved to be popular enough to spawn two literary sequels: The Bourne Supremacy in 1986 and The Bourne Ultimatum in 1990 (not to mention five more written by Eric Van Lustbader). Not only that, the original novel was turned into a mini-series in 1988 with Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith. However, it was not until 2002 when the film arrived that I first became aware of the character Jason Bourne, this time played by Matt Damon, and the novel. I am glad I did.
Watching this first film in the trilogy for the first time in a long time reminds me of just how good this movie is. Before The Bourne Identity I never saw Matt Damon as an action star, but since then he seems like an ideal choice for the modern action star. What I believe made him so successful in the transition from the comedic/dramatic actor we've known to this point is the fact that he is a good actor. He is not the kind of guy who was all muscles and cast for his physical presence; he is above all an actor who is able to create a physical presence tat is convincing and imposing. The combination of a genuinely good actor and an action film led to this being a very entertaining and highly engrossing film.
The Doug Liman directed film is an amazing example of how you can disguise a fascinating character study beneath a veil of secret government agencies, international thrills, and high octane action. There really is a little something for everyone. If you want the action it's there; if you want conspiracy theories they're there; if you want a fascinating lead character — you guessed it, he's right there.
For those of you unfamiliar with the film (and seriously, where have you been?), it opens with a man floating in the Mediterranean Sea. He is dragged out of the icy waters by some fishermen. The man (Damon) awakens and has no memories of who he is or how he got there. On top of that, he has no explanation for the bullets lodged in his back. The small clues he is able to glean from the items found on his body lead him on an adventure that takes him across Europe and face to face with a series of government-sponsored assassins (including one played by Clive Owen).
.jpg?t=20120209092158)
Article comments