The Bourne Ultra-Tedium

No, I didn’t really think it was *that* bad — I just like hyperbole in headlines. I liked the last half hour or so of the movie, once it was clear what The Problem was and the frame rate seemed to slow almost enough to see how Matt Damon was taking care of it. Still:

1. I came away from the movie not being sure whether it had been good or bad, because it was so hard to see anything that had happened. I have a sense that some of those fight scenes were fantastic — it’s just a shame I don’t know what actually went down during them. I honestly had to look away from the screen on many occasions just so my eyes could focus on *something*. It was tough to watch.

2. I don’t get why I’m supposed to think that Matt Damon’s wellbeing is more important than the national security of the United States. Why are he and his character’s aims more trustworthy and noble than those of the Central Intelligence Agency? In real life, I know enough about the CIA to think pretty highly of them. In the world of the movie, I don’t think I ever knew enough about Jason Bourne to understand that he was necessarily a good person, or enough about the fictionalized CIA to think they were any worse than Jason Bourne. I mean, they were both willing to kill people in order to get what they wanted, right? And what the CIA wanted was, well, national security. What Jason Bourne wanted was, well — um, personal fulfillment?

Which aim is nobler? If I were part of that world, which would be of more benefit to me?

I also don’t get why the assembled movie critics of the world get so afraid of their readership that they’re afraid to make negative comments regarding beloved franchises. The way they kowtowed to LOTR fans by the time of the third installment, for instance, was horrifying. Ditto Harry Potter. I mean, sure, I don’t have to put up with their email in-boxes, but… This movie was interesting for 30 minutes, seasickness-inducing for 90, and premise-wise questionable the whole way. I don’t think that makes for a recommendable show.

bkd

4 comments

  • Chris Bigelow

    Huh, the flick worked a lot better for me than for you. In fact, it was the most satisfying Hollywood movie I’ve seen in a while (although I did really like Knocked Up recently too). But I don’t think about it as much as you do, just sort of let it flow past me and go with the emotions. I liked the style too, the music and the camera work.

  • bkdunn

    No joke: thinking ruins *everything*. Although, this *does* sort of explain why Netflix says you’re only 44% similar to me. 🙂

  • amy

    totally aree with Chis on this bkd. Bourne id is my favorite trilagy since, well… just my favorite. Plus… I am in love with Matt Damon and he puts Jack Bower to shame. (and 24 is my favortie tv thingy)
    amy hearts matt

  • Matt Damon

    It’s really the studio’s fault for putting themselves in that position. I don’t blame Tony for taking a boatload of money and handing in what he handed in. It’s just that it was unreadable. This is a career-ender. I mean, I could put this thing up on eBay and it would be ‘Game Over’ for that dude. It’s terrible. It’s really embarrassing. He was having a go, basically, and he took his money and left.

    If I didn’t respect him and appreciate his talent, then I really wouldn’t have cared. My feelings were hurt. That’s all. And that’s exactly why I shouldn’t have said anything. This is between me and him. So saying anything publicly is —-ing stupid and unprofessional and just kind of douchey of me.