As anticipation builds for a potential new installment in the “Bourne” film series, directed by Edward Berger, now is an opportune time to revisit the existing five movies. Based on the spy novels by Robert Ludlum, the franchise follows Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon, an amnesiac assassin attempting to uncover his past and the clandestine operations that shaped him. The series has grossed nearly $1.7 billion worldwide, captivating audiences with its intricate plots and intense action sequences.
The saga began with “The Bourne Identity” (2002), directed by Doug Liman. After being rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, Bourne, suffering from amnesia, embarks on a perilous journey to discover his identity. Aided by Marie Kreutz (Franka Potente), he evades capture by CIA operatives, including Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) and Deputy Director Ward Abbott (Brian Cox), while uncovering his involvement in the top-secret Operation Treadstone. This film redefined the modern action movie, introducing a more realistic and psychologically complex spy archetype.
“The Bourne Supremacy” (2004), directed by Paul Greengrass, picks up months after the first film. Bourne, attempting to live a quiet life, is drawn back into the world of espionage when he is framed for an assassination and the theft of classified materials. The film introduces CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen), who investigates Bourne’s connection to Treadstone. The gritty, handheld camera work established in this film became a hallmark of the series and influenced numerous action films.
“The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007), also directed by Greengrass, continues immediately after the events of “Supremacy.” Bourne seeks to expose Operation Blackbriar, Treadstone’s successor program, and those responsible for his creation. With assistance from Landy and Parsons, he confronts the corrupt director of Blackbriar, Vosen (David Strathairn). This installment provides a definitive conclusion to the initial trilogy, delving deeper into the origins of the black ops programs.
In “The Bourne Legacy” (2012), directed by Tony Gilroy, the narrative runs parallel to “Ultimatum.” Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), an operative from another black ops program called Operation Outcome, finds himself targeted for elimination after Landy and Vosen testify before Congress. Cross teams up with Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) to survive and expose the truth about Outcome. The film expands the Bourne universe, exploring the broader network of clandestine government programs.
Damon and Greengrass returned for “Jason Bourne” (2016). Over a decade after exposing Blackbriar, Bourne resurfaces as a street fighter in Greece. When Nicky Parsons uncovers documents related to his father’s involvement in Treadstone, she seeks him out, inadvertently alerting CIA Cyber Ops specialist Heather Lee (Alicia Vikander) and agency chief Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) to his location. The film explores themes of cyber warfare and modern surveillance, linking Bourne’s past to contemporary threats.
