Few films have had the kind of seminal impact that The Bourne Identity has had on cinema. Setting a distinctive formula, the seminal action flick set a stylistic precedent for every action flick released in its wake.
It’s also worth pointing out – and the man himself does – that Matt Damon’s career was seriously on the wane before he donned Jason Bourne’s bomber jacket. Initially director Doug Liman offered the lead role to Brad Pitt, who promptly turned it down; second on the list was former boy wonder Damon, who quickly snapped it up and took on a role that is now uttered in the same breath as James Bond.
In the flick Damon is a covert operative for the American government, who has an awful dose of amnesia having smacked his canister and floated around the ocean for a bit – before being picked up by a kindly fisherman. Desperate to find out who he is, his journey takes him to Paris where he finds Franka Potente’s desperate-for-dosh German.
Soon a romance blossoms, as Bourne realises he really isn’t actually named Jason Bourne, but is most definitely a highly trained solider with reflexes like a cat – if said cat had been trained extensively by Chuck Norris (early ’80s Chuck Norris, not creepy “Obama is the Devil” 2013 Chuck Norris).
What follows is basically a great time; Damon personifies the quiet intensity of Bourne superbly and it’s genuinely difficult to imagine anyone else playing the now iconic role – even more so after the failed Jeremy Renner attempt.
But the real sell here is the action and fantastically choreographed hand-to-hand combat scenes. It’s a testament to their influence that the new generation of Bond, Casino Royale, went down the rough and tumble route by adding an actor that could easily have played Bourne – and at the time would’ve been more suited to it – Daniel Craig.
Liman’s direction is loose, but skillful; the plot smart but easily digested and Damon’s lead performance excellent. There’s a reason you keep hearing about The Bourne Identity… it’s a great f**king movie.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
