THE BOURNE IDENTITy (2002, Doug Liman) Rating: NNN
Rating: NNN
The director of Go and Swingers makes an unexpected leap into the big leagues of studio filmmaking with this crisp, kinetic thriller starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, professional assassin, who wakes up one morning with no memory of who he is, though his extremely unusual skill set might give him a hint or two.
Damon, an actor who works close to the vest, even in his more outgoing roles — a quality that suits a man who’s supposed to be invisible — is unexpectedly good in the role. He has a good foil in Franka Potente (Run Lola Run) as the girl who wanders into the plot.
Not the year’s best thriller, but it’s inventive and well paced and may be the perfect break if you’ve been hitting the odder corners of the film festival and need a movie with an actual plot. The good supporting cast includes Chris Cooper, Brian Cox and an underused Julia Stiles. (September 6-8, Royal September 7-10, Bloor)
