Review of The Bourne Identity

Movie #35 - The Bourne Identity

The Bourne Identity is a movie about Jason Bourne, a programmed assassin, who has lost his memories and is trying to search for answers as to who he is. In the process, he finds out that Treadstone wants him dead. Treadstone is the company that programmed him to be an assassin. When Jason was sent out to kill a man [Wombosi], and he failed to complete the task, Treadstone wanted him wiped out. He finds the man running the whole ordeal, Conklin, and tells him to forget Jason Bourne ever existed. Bourne then "disappears." The Bourne Identity truly is a movie about Jason Bourne attempting to find his identity.

Every time I watch the Bourne movies, I have to ask myself, what is Treadstone's deal? Here's a guy that has no recollection whatsoever about a crime he didn't actually commit, but they're dead-set on finding him and punishing him for it. Once Jason tells Conklin he doesn't remember anything, Conklin doesn't fall for it and continues to push the issue. Even after Jason tells him he doesn't want to be an assassin anymore- he just wants to disappear and never be bothered again, Conklin fights back and runs after him. I guess that's why I felt happy when an assassin kills Conklin in the street. Right on. The end of this movie truly feels like a good ending. Bourne reunites with Marie, the woman he asked for help in escaping the city while running from the authorities, and Conklin is killed - covered up by Ward Abbott and Zorn. It seemed like a true ending; however, there are two more films, so that leaves me annoyed. I know that the other two films delve deeper into Treadstone and why they wanted Bourne to kill Wombosi, but it's just not something that interests me. My husband loves these movies; I'm not that big of a fan. Don't get me wrong, Matt Damon is absolutely phenomenal in them. Whoever started Matt Damon's career as an action star should get some major kudos. Seeing a 32-year-old Matt Damon fighting bad guys...that's something every woman wants to see. However, even though Matt Damon is great, and this movie is great, I get tired just thinking about having to watch two more films just like it.

I found it interesting to watch the first film after watching the other two films. Nicky, one of Treadstone's workers, is directly linked to Bourne - which you will find out about by the end of the third film, so I won't spoil it now. So, it was intriguing to see her in a Treadstone safe house throughout the movie. It all makes sense now. Julia Stiles (Nicky) is another actor I enjoy having in this film. She's great in everything, and it's disappointing to not see her in as many movies as she used to be in around the late 90's and early 00's.

Overall, The Bourne Identity is a good movie. Even though, it is a movie that could leave people bored while watching it - because there's a lot more back story and explanation than edge-of-your-seat action.

I give The Bourne Identity 3.5 out of 5 stars.