In honor of the excitement leading into this weekend’s release of Jason Bourne, I got a chance to re-watch the four films that led up to this brand new entry that audiences waited over a decade for. In revisiting this film franchise based on the Robert Ludlum novels, I realized how these films (well, 75% of them) benefit from multiple viewings in order to further appreciate the intricacies in storytelling and pure craftsmanship in bringing one of the most intriguing cinematic action heroes of the century. Let’s take a look first at the film that started it all, The Bourne Identity.
The Bourne Identity – dir. Doug Liman
Right from the opening sequence in which our titular protagonist is found unconscious floating on the sea, the audience is just sucked in. Director Doug Liman introduced audiences to this series in such great effect with his steady, yet tension-filled direction that would set a standard for what this series would carry on with through its next installments. This film works as both a compelling mystery and an exciting action film, exploring the scenario in which someone has the opportunity to right their own ships despite the actions of their past. Sure, Jason Bourne suffers from amnesia from his mission, but the ideas that this film explores still elevate the drama to a compelling degree. It helps that Matt Damon adds nuance to the character in both the physical and emotional aspects of his development. Add in some great supporting players like Chris Cooper, Franka Potente, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, and Julia Stiles and you got yourself a tight, entertaining mystery/thriller.
The Bourne Supremacy – dir. Paul Greengrass
Following the events of the previous film, Jason Bourne is put on a path for revenge after Maria gets killed. Even though Liman exhibited some great prowess in bringing tension to the previous film, director Paul Greengrass elevates that tension to a whole new level. In this case, Bourne uncovers more secrets about his past and some of the answers that are revealed are quite unsettling. The behind-the-scenes element of this film’s narrative is also much more compelling, with new addition Joan Allen adding newer depths of mystery and moral ambiguity while also serving as a great foil to Brian Cox. But what really resonates with me the most about this film is near the end, in which Bourne reveals to a certain character the truth about her parents’ deaths that is just heartbreaking, yet touching.
The Bourne Ultimatum – dir. Paul Greengrass
The Bourne Ultimatum is my personal favorite entry in the series, but is integral for maximum enjoyment only for those who have seen the previous two entries. Without Identity and Supremacy, the dramatic turns and riveting action set-pieces are nowhere near as compelling, especially with the film’s fantastic narrative device that ties in with the ending of Supremacy in an unconventional fashion that only people with a keen eye would realize upon a first viewing. Greengrass exhibits some of the best tension he has brought on as a filmmaker, and the film’s frenetic pacing is almost unparalleled in the modern action film. It also serves as a nice conclusion to Bourne’s character arc in which it mirrors the beginning of the first film in its closing, but still staying true to the character’s spirit – that he will always be on the run.
The Bourne Legacy – dir. Tony Gilroy
I was a bit underwhelmed when I first saw The Bourne Legacy when it came out in theaters. The easy answer would be due to the lack of, you know – Jason Bourne, but his absence was sorely felt. When I revisited this film, I hoped to have found more to appreciate that I did not grasp on my first viewing, because there was always more to unravel from the previous three films. Unfortunately, I wounded up liking this movie even less. Jeremy Renner is a fantastic actor, and he tries his hardest to be a compelling character, but Aaron Cross himself is just not that interesting to follow. Tony Gilroy’s directing is as bland as you can get, and the tension that Liman and Greengrass made signature to this franchise is completely absent. What sinks this lifeless film even lower is the complete waste of Edward Norton, who is criminally underused and is given a thankless role that literally anybody can play. I guess having this film take place simultaneously along with Ultimatum was an interesting narrative choice, but that doesn’t save from this being a snorefest. Despite my dislike for this film, I am still interested in the prospect of seeing Cross and Bourne together in a future film, hopefully with a good story to back it up.
