What’s not to enjoy in this film? It’s a thriller that thrills, a suspense movie with tension, and an action movie with a lot of fights and chase scenes. And they’re all done well. It has very effective, fast editing and the story never rests. Matt Damon brings real presence to someone who is lost, and you empathize with Bourne’s quest and qualms throughout even if you can’t identify with his prowess. You’re pulling for the guy throughout the film.
And Identity is a revved-up version of one of my favorite genres -- the great 60s thrillers that are set in exotic European cities. The combination of action and Europe works in films like Charade and The Italian Job, and it works here under Doug Lyman’s skillful direction. I thoroughly enjoyed his rhythmic, economic editing and the cinematography of the urban Old World. And the soundtrack song by Moby, “Extreme Ways,” complements the action and story.
I didn’t miss the lack of philosophical aspiration or thematic ambition in Bourne Identity. I liked the characters, and I felt invested in them as the story unfolded. The film is a pure cinematic pleasure that you can spend two good hours involved with.
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