Our Rating: 3.00
A thoroughly mediocre entry in the sophisticated-spy-film subgenre, “The Bourne Identity” does include decent action sequences, picturesque European locales, and an eclectic (if wasted) supporting cast, which at least lifts it above the usual gung-ho junk. We meet Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) floating half-drowned in the Mediterranean Sea with bullets in his back and amnesia. Following a lead to a safe-deposit box, he finds several passports with his photo but different names, a gun, and oodles of cash. Bourne’s reappearance prompts CIA honcho Ted Conklin (Chris Cooper) to dispatch a variety of assassins to hunt down Bourne and his new friend Marie Kreutz (Franka Potente). Next to the blockbuster Bruckheimer/Clancy norm, “The Bourne Identity” looks positively shrewd. These espionage operatives aren’t just pumped-up action heroes but, occasionally, believable people whose work wears away at their emotions and their morals. Furthermore, in this season of Hollywood films altered to include patriotic content at the (September) 11th hour, it’s refreshing that the only U.S. flags flying in this film are miniatures atop the villain’s government desk. Unfortunately, none of this makes it a good movie, but give director Doug Liman (“Go,” “Swingers”) credit for attempting to promote entertainment above the nationalist trappings that will date this moment in Hollywood history.
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2002.