"Loose" is the keyword

Rating: 1/10 (14 October 2002)

The promos for "The Bourne Identity" mention that it is "loosely" based on Robert Ludlum's book bearing that same title. "Loose" is exactly the term for this film.
For starters, there is absolutely very little connection between the greatness of the book and the littleness of the screenplay. Indeed, this book-screenplay combo might well form the perfect example for illustrating the phrase "digging a mountain to discover a mouse".
My major grouse relates to the characterisation of the protagonist. In the book, it is one long, intense, and involving journey of self-discovery, one that the reader not only vicariously enjoys, but also relates to her own life. The screenplay contains zilch of this aspect.
Therefore, there is little sense in grading this screenplay. The very concept is flawed. It is pure F at the very outset. Of course, if you were to view the film minus this background of the book, it seems an okayish thriller, but that's not the point. Over here is a masterpiece that could've made an exceedingly good screenplay. Instead, its gone to the dogs.
The most awful thing about this whole business is that the book's author Robert Ludlum himself is the Executive Producer, hence, must've personally approved the screenplay. I am afraid he's getting on in years, perhaps he ought to go in for MRI scanning to check for cerebral strokes. No person in full control of his creative faculties could've allowed such a degeneration of book content, especially when it is his own. If he rushed into the job because of financial considerations, then its a case of penny wise and pound foolish, for a neat job of this screenplay would've surely assured good business for the sequels.
To sum up, losing one's hold on the creative faculty isn't a good thing at all.