The Bourne Identity

We honestly don't know that much about spies and secret agents in the real world, but we sure do like watching them on the screen...

When it comes to spy films, The James Bond flick Goldeneye is a personal favorite of mine. Directed by Martin Campbell, it's the Bond flick that brought the franchise out of the cold war era. The film succeeded admirably while each successive film in the franchise fell victim to dreadful screenwriting and uninspired production. Bond seemed to be losing his "cool." Then Vin Diesel came along with three X's on his neck and called himself a secret agent. It was a fun idea, even a cool one, but one of little substance. Right around that same time Matt Damon came along with this Bourne character, and with him brought more to the table than I had previously thought possible.

Matt Damon isn't the type of actor you'd expect in a role like this. While perfect in dramatic films such as Good Will Hunting and Rounders, it's hard to imagine Matt Damon in spy shoes. Until you see him in spy shoes that is.

The more I think about it, the more I believe real spies probably need to look pretty normal to blend in and do their job well. Perhaps that's what Damon brings to the film that makes it so much fun. Jason Bourne is a more believable spy than James Bond. On a semi-related note, is it really a coincidence that they share the same initials? Hmm...

Floating on vast waves with two bullet holes in his back, it's a miracle that Jason Bourne survived the sea long enough to be picked up by a fishing boat. Just how he ended up in the water, whose gun the bullets came from, or even who this wounded man is, remains a mystery for some time. It seems Jason has lost his memory.

This device works well for the film, as the audience is treated to one thrill after another as Jason discovers who he is, and exactly what he's capable of. By it's third act, The Bourne Identity will have you believing Matt Damon is one bad mother.

I also found the casting of the female lead opposite Damon very pleasing. Instead of typical Bond-girl supermodel fare the production opted for a more believable scenario, one that ultimately helps the film's credibility.

The casting of Chris Cooper as Conklin was another fantastic move, as he nails a more believable CIA director persona. What we end up with is a movie full of realistic characters supporting a surrealistic plot full of twisting roads, and it works.

The film is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer that looks great. The mood and color pallet of the film is dark, and this is carried over well to the DVD. The film's extras include a commentary by director Doug Liman, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, the Moby "Extreme Ways" music video, and "The Birth of the Bourne Identity," a very standard production featurette. Not too shabby, but nothing greater than what we've come to expect as the norm.

Carl Johnson
DVD Reviewer, Kikizo Movies