The Bourne Identity

DVD, The Bourne Identity (2002) film

For a start I like a film with a good start. This does have an atmospheric setup and the whole thing on the fishing boat is good, but I'm never so keen on a film that doesn't have an intro and strong theme. I would say that feeling runs through the whole film, in that, like the character you're never quite sure of yourself, how it will turn out or what might happen, while at the same time knowing how it must turn out in broad strokes.

I didn't feel as on edge and lost as perhaps was intended, although the score certainly helped in keeping viewers off-balance as it blended with sound effects and became part of Bourne's mood. The film didn't quite hold me on tenterhooks as it could have (like 'Casino Royale' for example), but the action scenes were a little few and far between, although I did jump at the assassin coming through the window, which is rare for me!

One aspect of the film I did enjoy was the use of real world objects such as ballpoint pen, fire extinguisher and others to be used in different ways. The stunts were good, but felt a little functional compared with say 'M:I2', but probably more realistic. I had been warned beforehand that the fights were notorious for being shaky, handheld stuff - none of the fine detail and precision of 'The Matrix' here, which I much prefer. However, the film did keep me wanting to see him get to the inevitable confrontation with his boss, and it was good how the project was shut down and hushed up.

I think they could have made more of the assassins trying to track him down, than they did. They could have had a few more like the one in the apartment, ready to jump out at any moment. The one core thing you realise about him is that he is deep down good. When you find out the real reason he couldn't kill his target was because of all the children it really gives the character a streak of sympathy that you can relate to. Marie was also a good character, reacting realistically to the horror of what has happened.

There was also the occasional bit of humour which made a nice change of pace, such as when he has this elaborate plan to get records from a building and instead of following instructions she just asks for the records! And another time she's looking among the flowerpots for a key to get in and he just smashes through the door! So I would say it succeeds, but not on a level with the newest Bond, or the 'M:I' films, unless perhaps 'M:I3' which is another that doesn't quite deliver what you sort of expect by being different or better than the previous ones.

I must mention the intelligent directing of Doug Liman, who infuses the scenes with mood and believeability. There are many scenes which tell you so much without dialogue, such as when he's on the train looking at his refracted reflection, or when he walks the snowy streets and looks back on his footprints, the footprints of a stranger. The sequels put too much emphasis on wiggly camera work and were the opening of a whole new epoch in film-making, and one that I don't like that much (although I do probably prefer the third film over all), so it's a shame Liman didn't direct the others.

John Powell's music hadn't quite reached the adrenaline-pumping levels of the sequels, either, but it still has its own style, and the theme song at the end fits the character so well. I almost wish they hadn't made any sequels because it has such a happy ending and could pretty much have finished there, but granted there are still questions to be answered!

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