A proper espionage film

Rating: Null/10 (1 October 2004)

I just read a guy's comments about the camera work distracting him from the sheer brilliance of this film. I was enraged. Don't slag off a film because you have a weak stomach and no concept of intelligent, skillful and engaging film-making.
This is a truly great film that is genuinely better than the original. The 'handy-cam' style makes the fight scenes look spontaneous, raw and removes the choreographed element that are apparent in so many 'spy films'. The same applies for the car chase, whereby the jerky camera style shows the director has opted for rawness rather than glamorous backshots and 'stylish' scenes. I think the idea of having this handy-cam view heightens the audience's experience and places you in the moment, coming out feeling as if you have actually been with Bourne.
Put alongside crap like Die Another Day, this film stands out as the 'thinking man's thriller'. It is the intelligent subtlety that makes it such a success. We are not treated like idiots, the film does not feel like it's going down pre-determined path. Matt Damon was born for this role. He is economical with his dialogue, making it such a fine performance. No cheesy lines, no bravado... a film about instincts and survival. His ruthless nemesis is awesome, with about 4 lines in the whole film; yet the rivalry and tension between them is more than apparent. A good supporting cast, clever plot, excellent direction and a unique intelligence make this a must see film.
So, if you think you can take a few shaky camera scenes, this is definitely for you. If you all you want is explosions and cheesy chat-up line and think Die Another Day is one of the best films ever made, it isn't.