Bourne Identity, The (2002)

3 out of 4

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles

Director: Doug Liman

Time: 118 mins

Now that his buddy (and fellow Oscar-winner) Ben Affleck has taken on an "action" film (The Sum Of All Fears), Oscar-winner Matt Damon fronts for one himself. The Bourne Identity may not be the apocalyptic thriller that Sum wanted to be, but it is still steeped in that high-tech, dangerous CIA world that the movie studios love, and which general audiences know little about. Based on a bestselling book by Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Identity is a tidy thriller that has an interesting plot and showcases some skilfully staged action sequences. It's not as riveting or as exciting as it could have been, but it's still a decent two hours of escapist entertainment.

The film starts on a French fishing vessel in the Mediterranean. The fishermen find an unconscious man (Damon) floating in the sea, with two bullet wounds in his back and no memory of his past life. A device implanted in his body reveals the address of a bank in Zurich. He travels there and finds an account that reveals his name: Jason Bourne. He soon finds assassins on his trail, sent by the head of a covert unit in the CIA (Chris Cooper). Enlisting the help of cash-strapped Marie (Franka Potente), the two travel to Paris to try to unravel the mystery. Realising he is endangering Marie's life, Bourne decides to find his pursuers and end it once and for all.

The Bourne Identity follows the classic amnesia plotline, where the protagonist has forgotten everything about his past life. The audience is usually intrigued, because they are in the same shoes as the main character, finding out bits and pieces at the same time. The film, however, eschews the mystery and plunges you straight into the action. Bourne's link with the CIA is revealed early on, so there's none of the breathless anticipation that precedes each new discovery. The film is not filled to the brim with action, but what there is stands out. This includes a fight in Bourne's Paris apartment, a car chase through narrow streets, and the finale, where Bourne uses another person's body to break his fall down several floors.

The relationship between Bourne and Marie is less interesting, though it reflects the film's often cold settings and style. The European locations are refreshing, though I would have liked to seen something more scenic or colourful, like those used in James Bond films. Indeed, much of the film reminds one of a Bond work, except that the main character is an American rather than British.

Matt Damon is quite good in the role of Bourne. He also shows a few nifty martial arts-style moves with all the assurance of a seasoned master. His ruthlessness is displayed in the way he dispatches his pursuers, and yet his compassion comes through when he warns Marie not to stay with him. Franka Potente, the visually arresting, red-haired star of cult favourite, Run Lola Run, is again compelling to watch, though her chemistry with Damon is not all that sizzling. Chris Cooper, excellent in American Beauty and October Sky, has little to do here except running around in his office. Even less used is Julia Stiles, that star of several recent teen hits and modern Shakespearean adaptations. It's hard to fathom why she is in the role in the first place - anybody could have played the part.

Director Doug Liman received kudos for his earlier films, the independent Swingers and the Pulp Fiction-inspired Go. Here he shows a good grasp of the action thriller, and wisely avoids anything too flashy or requiring the use of in-your-face special effects. He delivers a taut action film that will satisfy, especially those who are fans of the old style that produced classics like Bullitt and The French Connection. Recommended.

(c) Joe Wong (15 June 2002)