Popcorn flick with some brains

Rating: Null/10 (4 March 2004)

The Bourne Identity opens with a body floating in the water. We view this body from underneath, through the water, as intermittent flashes of lighting give it definition. Soon, the stranger is picked up by a fishing vessel and, here, two bullets are removed from his back. A laser-pointer containing a Swiss bank safe-box number is removed from his hip.
The stranger travels to Zurich to retrieve the contents of the safe-box. He finds a bench to sleep on and when prodded by police, he takes them out in a quick series of punches and kicks that surprise even him. Inside the deposit box, he finds all the items needed to be a figure of international intrigue. Inside he discovers his name: Jason Bourne. Other items include passports from several countries, a collection of world currencies as well as a gun. Bourne collects these items (sans the gun) and leaves that bank. He is followed to the US Embassy where the action begins.
Inside the American Embassy in Zurich we get our first view of Marie played excellently by Franka Potente (Run Lola Run, The Princess and the Warrior). Bourne takes notice, but continues on as he is being pursued. When cornered, Bourne once again finds himself to be a lean, mean fighting machine by taking out several security cards without a second thought. Bourne makes an escape from the embassy that is a nail-biting cinematic experience. This scene, which was free from music or any other distractions, solidified the director's talent in my mind. This guy is good.
Outside the embassy, Bourne runs into Marie yet again. He offers her money in return for a ride to Paris (where Jason Bourne lives). Marie agrees and together they go forward to unravel the mystery. Along the way, we are treated to a glimpse inside the CIA as a man by the name of Conklin (Chris Cooper) begins to track down Bourne.
The film flows briskly and is full of human moments that raised it to a level above and beyond what your typical action film rests at. The casting is excellent across the board (although the use of Julia Stiles seems to have been a waste). The direction, as said before, is excellent. The music adds to the film. Overall, this is first and foremost is a drama about a man trying to discover not only WHO he is, but WHY he is. His past is the only way he can figure out what his future should be.
The film's only flaw is that when we finally figure it all out, it's nowhere near as exciting as the journey there. With such tight drama, carefully executed and believable action (including a nail-biting, classic-style car chase through Paris) one would expect a simple, yet satisfying ending. While we get both, it is just not enough. This flaw, though, is not enough to justify not seeing the film. It is an intelligent, fun ride that demands at least one viewing.