The Bourne Ultimatum

Now that’s what I call an action film -- nonstop, relentless action, from opening shot to closing credits. It’s a genre I would usually avoid, but for me Paul Greengrass is a must-see director. This film might have been called “Shattered Glass” if the title weren’t already taken. Not only is broken glass a recurring motif in the film, but its very style is composed of visual shards in dynamic mosaic. It’s really a lesson in how far humans have come in the ability to rapidly process fragmentary visual information. Oh yeah, there’s a story of sorts, an excuse for the chases and mayhem, and Greengrass is a serious man so amidst the frenzy there are some provocative implications about the surveillance state, but the game afoot is just to keep moving, which the film does admirably. Matt Damon (along with his stunt doubles) is very effective in the title role, and strong support is offered by the likes of David Straithairn and Albert Finney, Joan Allen and Julia Styles. I’m counting on Paul Greengrass to cash in this franchise success on some truly personal films. (2007, Regal at mall, n.) *7+* (MC-78.)