Review of The Bourne Identity (2002) by Jc E — 14 Aug 2012
Do you remember when Matt Damon (Ocean's Eleven) wasn't such an Oscar whore? Okay, neither do I, really. But he sure did something good in his career, bringing Jason Bourne to life. What's so great about this flick is that it's pretty much unlike any spy flick you've ever seen before (at least it was, up to that point).
By introducing the amnesia angle right off the bat, the viewer has to learn who the protagonist is as he does. It's quite smart, actually, even if it doesn't exactly follow Robert Ludlum's novel directly.
The action is higher caliper and is cut in a way that makes the viewer feel right in the middle of it. Plus, the flick is teeming with excellent talent. With Doug Liman (Swingers) behind the camera and the likes of Damon, Franka Potente (Blow), Chris Cooper (American Beauty), and Brian Cox (The Rookie) in front of it, the film has some credibility going in.
That doesn't always mean it will be good, but this one is. There's beauty in simplicity, and the brisk pace helps. Plus, the wonderful but small roles for real talent like Clive Owen (Beyond Borders) and Julia Stiles (O) elevate this to more than just another spy flick.
And while normally a setting in Europe would be indicative of something less than stellar, this one actually works. It's a great way to kick-start a franchise, and doesn't play into the commonalities that plague would-be franchise-starters.
It's a cut above most flicks, and a great way to showcase Damon as something other than a perennial Oscar baiter.
This review of The Bourne Identity (2002) was written by Jc E on 14 Aug 2012.
The Bourne Identity has generally received very positive reviews.
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