| The reason that "The
Bourne Identity" became such an enormous hit and an instant action
classic boiled down to two things -- Matt Damon's ability to convey
an intense state of calm determination... and Doug Liman's
directorial control, which was a masterclass in understatement and
restraint. At no point did that film ever make the leap into
ludicrous territory -- a leap that seems to be made in 99% of all
action films made in the past two decades. Every action in "The
Bourne Identity" is calm and reasoned, clear and logical, tangible
and exciting. It is one of the most believable action
thrillers we have ever seen.
Many, if not most, directors try to wow audiences. They try
to top the most recent box office smash in terms of CGI and
superhuman stunts. The visual extravaganzas are usually hollow
displays of special effects and meaningless characters. Not so
with this Bourne series.
Paul Greengrass entered the franchise to direct the second
instalment, "The Bourne Supremacy" -- an energetic, yet messy,
sequel that continued the fascinating story. If there was any
complaint, it would have fallen at the feet of Greengrass, a
director who doesn't always trust the patience of the audience --
preferring, instead, to inject a frenetic pace and dizzying camera
movement. He is not as confident a director as Doug Liman.
Greengrass tries to manufacture excitement, rather than allowing the
story to exist on its own merit.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" is better than "Supremacy", but not nearly
as riveting as "Identity". It is, perhaps, the simplest of the
three films -- essentially delivering a two-hour chase scene.
The characters explode onto the screen and don't stop moving until
the screen fades to black.
I wish the film had the confidence to intersperse the quiet
moments... the thoughtful and calm solemnity that is always evident
in great action films. Audiences need room to breathe... to be
allowed to think their way out of the situations along with the
protagonist. "Die Hard" did that. "The Bourne Identity"
perfected it. "The Hunt for Red October" is a definitive
example.
Nevertheless, "Ultimatum" is an overpowering thrill ride.
There won't be a more breathless movie in 2007. There is no
denying the entertainment level it produces. However, it never
quite reaches greatness because it never stops to take stock of
itself. Jason Bourne is reduced to an emotionally shallow
fighting machine -- he is fun to watch but I almost forgot why I
cared about him in the first place. Oh yeah -- it's because
the first film laid all the groundwork!!! |
