A good movie with some weaknesses

Rating: Null/10 (25 July 2004)

I enjoyed this movie, just as I did, 'The bourne identity'. It was fast, interesting, and provided an anti-hero archtype that was done well. I also enjoyed the location shoot nature of the movie. All in all, it is well worth the money to go to the theatre and see it for yourself, and I don't make those recommendations lightly. Now for a few observations on the less flattering side.
First, let me point out what to me was a major, obvious flaw in film making on this movie. The cinematography (it appears, by design) was really poor in the action sequences. During fight/flight scenes, extreme closups were used which limited the viewers ability to see what was really happening, and made the action confused and all- over-the-place. No steadycam use could be detected in running sequences, and the apartment fight between bourne and the other guy from his former cia unit was ruined by this close in and shaky filming. These are examples, and I could give more. My speculation on the matter is that this was designed to "pull the viewer into the action", but it was really not effective, and made for action sequences that were hard to follow, and frustrating.
The story had some weaknesses as well. For instance, why would Bourne assume that the assassin that killed his love was CIA? In truth, he would not. His first logical action (and he is nothing if not methodical and logical) would be to disappear off the radar while he gathered information about which organisation, from which nation, was responsible, whether intelligence, military, or civilian. Why would the CIA director give an underling access to all the files about a highly classified "black op" program gone bad just to follow up a "lead" she refused to give any details about, and why wouldn't he just get all the info she had and handle it himself telling her 'it never happened'. No joy on the logic.
But I digress. I was a very enjoyable movie and I imagine most people didn't even detect these (and other) leaps in logic. I just happen to be particular about my murder mysteries/spy thrillers and how well the stories are thought out.
This is a keeper. See it, buy it. You won't be sorry.