The Jason Bourne franchise may be on the verge of a comeback, but it faces a host of challenges much greater than simply recasting Matt Damon. When The Bourne Identity was released in 2002, it revolutionized the action film genre with its innovative cinematography, intense fight scenes, and a captivating storyline centered around the enigmatic hero, Jason Bourne. This initial success led to a swift expansion of the franchise, resulting in two sequels within the next five years.
Fast forward to today, and buzz is swirling around a potential reboot of the Bourne franchise. While revisiting this beloved universe is undoubtedly exciting, the series grapples with contemporary challenges that its original trilogy did not face—most notably, the influence of powerful competitors in the action genre.
The New Bourne Must Compete with John Wick
The Action Genre Has Evolved Significantly Since the Early 2000s
At the time of The Bourne Identity‘s release, Hollywood’s action genre was positioned precariously, riding a wave of transformation. While The Matrix managed to capture the zeitgeist by blending action with science fiction, its impact was more about popularizing sci-fi. Enter Jason Bourne—a true trailblazer in the action film landscape, introducing fresh techniques and storytelling elements.
However, the action genre has witnessed formidable competition since Bourne’s introduction, largely due to John Wick. Since debuting in 2014, John Wick has redefined action cinema, taking inspiration from Bourne and amplifying it with intricate stunt choreography and a rich narrative filled with assassins. Consequently, if the Bourne franchise aims for a successful revival, it must establish its unique niche alongside this now-iconic series.
John Wick’s Revolution in Action Cinema
Influences of Spectacular Franchises on Action Movies
A significant advantage that John Wick holds over its contemporaries is its directorial leadership. Chad Stahelski, a seasoned stuntman, brings an expert’s understanding of action choreography, making it extraordinary—arguably establishing the franchise as a modern action masterpiece. The filmmaking in John Wick has elevated action scenes to new heights, marking them as visually stunning and fluid.
This evolution has left a lasting mark on action cinema, encouraging a wave of innovation while discarding outdated practices. Although Jason Bourne initially redefined the action genre, it has been a while since the series held cultural relevance. To stage a comeback, it must observe John Wick’s success closely and adapt to what works in today’s cinematic landscape while shedding outdated conventions.
Bourne’s Shaky-Cam Action Faces Challenges in the John Wick Era
Rethinking Innovative Action Sequences for Jason Bourne
One of the quintessential innovations introduced by the Jason Bourne franchise was its signature shaky-cam technique for filming action sequences. This style represented a dramatic departure from earlier approaches that typically utilized wide shots to articulate action clearly. Instead, Bourne’s close-range, handheld camera work created an immersive experience but often sacrificed clarity for intensity, making complex fight scenes difficult to follow.
While this method served Bourne’s narrative effectively in its time, the bar has been raised in the modern era, particularly with the precision and artistry demonstrated in John Wick. Entering a new landscape, the Bourne franchise must critically assess the viability of the shaky-cam technique. It must explore whether a revised cinematic approach can enhance fight scenes, ensuring audiences can engage with the choreography without disorientation.