A bullet-riddled man suffering from amnesia is picked up and saved from rough waters just south of Marseille, France by a fishing boat. Once recovered, he must begin to piece together his own story while attempting to elude the dangerous assassins relentlessly hunting him down. An effective action flick that balances the intense scenes with a strong sense of story and suspense throughout the modest runtime.

Director: Doug Liman
Writers: Tony Gilroy, William Blake Herron
Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Julia Stiles

Directed by Doug Liman and written by Tony Gilroy and William Blake Herron, The Bourne Identity is the first instalment in the Bourne film franchise, based on Robert Ludlum’s 1980 novel of the same name. It’s worth noting, however, that the film significantly modernised Ludlum’s material, taking a very loose approach to the original novel’s plot while keeping its central premise intact. While several Bourne novels followed The Bourne Identity, only five Bourne films have been released to date, with The Bourne Supremacy (2004) being the second release of the series.

One of the film’s primary strengths is the way the filmmakers blend a traditional American filmmaking style with European locations that often come across as intense and gritty rather than polished and glamorous. Paris, France and Prague, Czech Republic are both utilised effectively, alongside a late but memorable appearance from the island of Mykonos, Greece.

In terms of the action, it’s surprisingly sparse in places, with very few loud or over-the-top explosive sequences. Instead, the film takes a more composed approach, letting tension build before releasing it in short, snappy and often brutal bursts. When the action does arrive, it feels purposeful rather than excessive, with an element of realism attached. This approach makes the violence feel more impactful, as nothing is wasted or thrown in for the sake of it. There are also one or two infamous car chase scenes injected into the runtime, which remain memorable because of the chaotic and dangerous feel.

In terms of the cast, Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne and would go on to feature in multiple Bourne films, firmly anchoring the franchise. Support comes largely from Franka Potente, who appears as Marie and commands a large amount of screentime. Elsewhere, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen and Julia Stiles hold prominent roles, starring as Conklin, the Professor and Nicolette respectively. There are also smaller, less noteworthy appearances from the likes of Walton Goggins and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

All in all, The Bourne Identity comes across as a highly effective spy-based thriller and a memorable starting point for a franchise that would go on to include several follow-up films. With that being said, it is just as impressive when viewed as a completely standalone flick. Even years later, it remains a compelling watch, laying down a blueprint for many similar spy-based films that followed. Hitman (2007) instantly springs to mind as a picture that followed a similar path to that of The Bourne Identity.

“Why are you trying to kill me?”

Jason Bourne – The Bourne Identity