Director: Paul Greengrass
Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles and David Strathairn
‘A Spectacular Sequel’
Not many actors have achieved recognition of Matt Damon. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Damon has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s space scavengers, gifted janitors or soldiers, Damon has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Damon’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Damon has always left a lasting impression. Through his capability to portray characters that are engaging, Damon has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Bourne in the spy franchise, Damon has proven that he can make engaging movies in every single genre. Throughout his career, Damon has made several unforgettable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Damon and adore all the movies which he has created in his career. However, “The Bourne Ultimatum” is truly his most underrated work. Released back in 2007, Paul Greengrass’ film offered a strong closure to the Jason Bourne series. Packed with breathtaking action, strong story and engaging acting, it’s one of the best action movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Matt Damon, who embodies an agent. Ultimately, what makes “The Bourne Ultimatum” an action masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Bourne franchise, the movie tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A captivating action masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “The Bourne Ultimatum” is a commemorated film worth watching.
“The Bourne Ultimatum” follows the spy that’s drawn out of retirement for a final mission with an ultimatum. Matt Damon portray Jason Bourne, a conflicted spy harbouring a dark past. Haunted by grim memories of abuse, Bourne questions his devotion to a profession that causes issues. However, Bourne’s life drastically changes when he’s called out of hiding by a strong reporter. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Bourne questions if it’s possible for him to survive in a world that faces disaster. Faced with an ultimatum, Bourne questions his devotion towards a commemorated profession that causes a problem.
Paul Greengrass has always been drawn to stories of spies with flash. A phenomenal filmmaker, Greengrass has often produced engaging films in the Jason Bourne series. With “The Bourne Ultimatum”, however, the filmmaker made his first espionage sequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to ever capture the lives of spies facing adversities, but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Greengrass captured an agent embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Evoking John McTiernan’s “Die Hard”, Greengrass effectively uses handheld camerawork to capture lives of spies which work hard. For instance, handheld cameras elevate the spies battled scene. During this unforgettable scene, Bourne has an intense confrontation with enemies in an apartment. Through captivating handheld camerawork, Greengrass creates a portrait of spies that is compelling. Handheld camerawork isn’t an easy technique. As Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” suggested, handheld camerawork elevates WWII films. However, it works immensely. Using stunning visuals, Greengrass captures tensions that spies are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Bourne Ultimatum” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive action films ever made. Inspired with Brian De Palma’s “Mission: Impossible”, Greengrass expertly uses cross-cutting to capture the struggles of spies on missions which are impossible. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the chase scene. During this memorable scene, Jason Bourne engages in an intense chase with a rivalrous spy causing tension. Using cross-cutting, De Palma creates a portrait of spies that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. John Powell’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing painful burden spies bear. Using captivating production, Greengrass captures spies that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Bourne Ultimatum” is an espionage film that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses flashbacks to capture the trauma faced by spies that are under tension. Evoking Martin Campbell’s “Casino Royale”, Greengrass successfully uses flashbacks to capture the struggles of spies that are traumatic. For instance, the flashbacks elevate the traumatic memories scene. During this memorable scene, Jason Bourne remembers frightening memories of his traumatic past as a spy. Through strong flashbacks, Greengrass created a portrait of spies audiences relate to. Flashbacks aren’t simple techniques. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” claimed, flashbacks elevate biopics about physicists. Nevertheless, the flashbacks work tremendously in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Greengrass captures the lives of traumatic spies facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Matt Damon delivers one of his best career performances as Jason Bourne. Damon earned appreciations playing rebellious teenagers in coming of age dramas. With “The Bourne Ultimatum”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a spy facing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most persuasive role. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a spy on missions. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most beloved actors today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Matt Damon, the supporting cast is stellar and worthy of appreciation. Julia Stiles is spectacular, capturing the charisma of a feminist news reporter seeking to catch a spy amid trauma. Albert Finney is amazing, bringing a strong sense of authority toward a powerful manager seeking to catch spies facing adversity. Lastly, Joan Allen deserves appreciation. As a strong female manager, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Bourne Ultimatum” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing spies with an ultimatum. Unlike most films about spies, the film tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes such as ambition, grief and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Jason Bourne books to admire it. Therefore, “The Bourne Ultimatum” is one of those rare spy movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Matt Damon will absolutely enjoy “The Bourne Ultimatum” and so would audiences seeking strong entertainment. A spectacular spies blockbuster, it honours a legendary actor.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a spy with an ultimatum, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary actor that has gained stardom through his abilities to portray compelling characters with wisdom in iconic films that have often provided audiences with sense of escapism.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 