Great Film: The Bourne Identity
What a Spy Movie Should Be Like These Days
James Bond and Ethan Hunt take notice. "The Bourne Identity" is my new
standard for contemporary spy thrillers. Gone (or almost gone) are the
special effects that James and Ethan rely on all too heavily. Hell, in those
franchises the special effects have virtually replaced story and characters.
"The Bourne Identity" has a very straightforward story to tell, a mystery
that slowly unravels. Spycraft is not all about technical gizmos, but
requires human brains and human brawn (and a fair amount of gunplay and car
chases).
Set in various locales in Switzerland and France during the winter much of
the visuals for "The Bourne Identity" are gray and damp. That's a plus,
Monte Carlo and like locales can get boring. Mat Damon is great as Jason
Bourne, fished from the Mediterranean mostly dead by gunshot wounds. A total
amnesiac, he slowly realizes that he possesses the deadly skills of a
well-trained assassin, and that someone is out to kill him. Franka Potente
is equally good as the young woman swept up in his life and forced to run
with him. Run or be killed.
I can't say enough good things about this movie. Doug Limon, thanks, you did
a great job.
Cast
- Zorn played by Gabriel Mann
- The Professor played by Clive Owen
- Ward Abbott played by Brian Cox
- Nicolette played by Julia Stiles
- Jason Bourne played by Matt Damon
- Conklin played by Chris Cooper
- Marie played by Franka Potente
