The Bourne Supremacy (10/10)

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is my kind of superhero. He can’t fly. He bleeds. He can get injured, and, presumably, killed. But he’s always in control even when, as here, he’s alone and the entire world is after him.

Even though Matt Damon is the "star” of this film, ably supported by Joan Allen as his nemesis, Pamela Landy, Brian Cox as Ward Abbott, Jason’s prior director, and Julia Stiles as Nicky, someone Jason just might trust, this is not an actor’s movie.

The true stars of this movie are Director Paul Greengrass, Cinematographer Oliver Wood, and John Powell’s music. They start this like a rocket and the tempo increases from there, the music constantly reminding you not to relax. The cinematography consists of lots of quick cuts and hand held cameras. Together, the cinematography and music make you feel as if you’re in a 100 yard dash that will last longer than the 10,000 meters. There is not one slow second in this.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the car chase. Since Bullitt (1968) if Directors have thrown one car chase at us, they’ve thrown hundreds, if not thousands, each more absurd and boring than what came before. Greengrass, however, has given us a classic. At my screening the conclusion of the chase brought applause, which is richly deserved.

There’s nothing to be gained by writing any more. Anything I tell you could spoil the movie. With constant tension, this is a thriller at its best.

July 21, 2004

The End

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