Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity, the first in his trio of international thrillers featuring master spy Jason Bourne, was a sensation when it was published in 1980. Now this potent novel gets an edgy 21st century spin from director Doug Liman (Swingers, Go) who delivers Ludlum's high-stakes tale with grit, style and nerve.
The story opens as an amnesiac (Damon) is rescued at sea by the crew of an Italian fishing boat. Nearly dead, he carries only the bullets in his back and the bank account number implanted in hi hip. Although completely without identity or background, he does possess an array of extraordinary talents in fighting, linguistics and self-defense that speak of a dangerous past. He sets out on a desperate search - assisted by the initially rebellious Marie (Potente) - to discover who he really is, and why so many people want him dead.