Bourne Identity

 

The Bourne Identity may be one of the tastiest bon bons of the summer season. Adapted from the Robert Ludlum novel, it’s a slick little spy picture with an arresting style all its own, courtesy of the red-hot craftsman Liman, who can apparently turn anything old-school into something with zip, freshness and the novelty of modern cinema at its most cannily inventive. “The Bourne Identity”, however, retains its old-fashioned espionage roots while Liman performs a stylized makeover that only enhances the film’s breadth and intelligence.

In his first action hero role, Matt Damon is Jason Bourne, a CIA assassin who is recovered from the cold waters of the Mediterranean Sea, riddled with bullets and afflicted with amnesia. With news that his latest assignment was not successful and no trace of contact from their agent, Bourne’s government superiors (led by Chris Cooper) assume that he has gone rogue, and after he is located, they dispatch a series of assassins to hunt Bourne and tie up the necessary loose ends. But Jason, on a quest to discover his identity, finds a vital ally in a German woman (Franka Potente) whom he will provide with $20,000 for a ride to Paris, but in close pursuit are the hit-men trained in Bourne’s own trade, including the ruthless “Professor” (played by the great Clive Owen, star of “Croupier”).

“The Bourne Identity” is lacking the glitz, glamour and lightweight panache of the James Bond franchise, but in fact, it may be a more satisfying overall experience than the last few Bond films. The first pleasant surprise comes care of Damon’s convincing portrayal of the cunning super-spy who has lost his memory. The star excels in communicating Bourne’s crisis of identity, and looks more than comfortable throughout the film’s various stunts and action set-pieces, which include an enjoyable car chase through the narrow streets of Paris (reminiscent of another international espionage romp, “Ronin”) and a few hand-to-hand confrontations. Potente, of “Run Lola Run” fame, is wonderful as the unlikely partner to Damon’s amnesiac, and Liman knows to utilize the strengths of excellent performers like Cooper and Brian Cox (as another CIA man) instead of using them as mere window dressing. Julia Stiles appears in a minor role; her performance is serviceable but her presence rather inexplicable.In the end, “The Bourne Identity” is a lot of fun, not only for its high-tech elements but also for its intelligent characterizations and deft handling of such a straightforward story. The Bond series has longevity on its side, but meanwhile, this little spy flick entertains like an old pro.