When we compare the Bourne Supremacy, to its predecessor the Bourne Identity, we actually can notice a little difference in overall craftsmanship. Maybe that’s because director Paul Greengrass takes over from Doug Liman.
It’s based off of the second novel in the Bourne book series by Robert Ludlum. None of the movies are all that faithful to any of the novels, and follow a completely different storyline to keep up with today’s technological advancements so that the resulting movie is more of an audience pleaser.
The movie starts maybe two years after the Bourne Identity ended. Bourne had warned Treadstone that he didn’t want to deal with them again. Since then, Treadstone had been dismantled by Ward Abbot (Brian Cox), and now the CIA is calling the shots. One day in Goa, India, where Bourne is living with his girlfriend Marie (Franka Potente), an assassin named Kirill (Karl Urban), shows up intending to kill Bourne. Bourne and Marie attempt to escape, but a bullet from Kirill’s sniper rifle kills Marie and leaves Bourne presumed dead. Bourne sets out to see what’s going on, and to avenge Marie. Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) is this time leading the hunt for Bourne. Bourne must evade both the CIA and a group of oil tycoon Russians who are framing Bourne for the murder of two CIA agents who were attempting to buy the information about a mole. Bourne’s on the run again this quick paced, high speed adventure.
Matt Damon is more convincing in this movie then he was before. He jumps into the role and explodes on screen in fist fights and shoot outs. Potente isn’t given that much screen time at all, so I can’t really comment on her performance. Cox is again the now villainous Abbott, who is revealed to be in league with the Russians. Julia Stiles plays Nicky Parsons, who worked for Treadstone before and is now helping the CIA track down Bourne. And Allen joins the cast as Landy. Allen might not be so enthusiastic, but she’s convincing.
Greengrass uses his trademark use of handheld cameras to film the cuts quick, up close and personal. At times, this can make it confusing to the viewer to watch what’s going on.
The end action sequence, a high-speed car chase between Bourne and Kirill through the streets and tunnels of Moscow, has been called as one of the most thrilling action scenes ever caught on film. Thrilling, yes, but well-done, no. This is the point where Greengrass’s handheld camera work comes into its poorer play, because we can’t tell what’s going on at all. I know they were chasing each other on cars and were trading shots, but that’s all I got. In other words, this scene has been over acclaimed.
All in all, the Bourne Supremacy feels as and is the weakest edition of the trilogy. It felt too much as a follow-up to the Bourne Identity while again feeling all the same as a build up to the Bourne Ultimatum.
Fortunately, the realism is all here, which is one reason the Bourne trilogy is so notable. The series does not rely CGI, and has very convincing combat sequences, and keeps an intricate and complex plotline.
The Bourne Supremacy gains enough momentum. It doesn’t become anything all that special, but Damon’s performance as improved. Greengrass still needs some improvement when holding a camera. It’s one of those movies that gains and gains speed, but when the credits roll, we need another sequel to complete the story arc.
*** ½ /5
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