Bourne Identity Essay

These scenes from Bourne Identity convey a message of the character; Jason Bourne moving away from his past and moving towards his new life and identity. This is portrayed through the use of the four technical elements of camera, editing, sound and mis-en-scene. The title of the movie; Bourne Identity already has a huge significance in the meaning of the film and gives information to the audience. Although not spelt the same; the name 'Bourne' resembles the word born and this is simply what we see portrayed throughout the movie. Jason Bourne is unveiling his new identity and almost re-birthing into a different person. In these first couple of scenes we can clearly sense this mood as we see Jason not just literally but also figuratively walking into his new identity and walking away from his past.

A series of close up shots have been used in these scenes to reveal information to the audience and emphasise key moments. As we follow Jason as he travels, we experience a small moment of realisation or even another piece to the puzzle as there is a close up shot on the bullet that lasts for about 5 seconds. The director wants us to look at it and think about it. It immediately makes the audience question what kind of things Jason was involved with before to get shot or have a target on his back. It seems as though Jason may be wondering the same thing. We empathise with him without really knowing if he deserves it or not; this is the beginning of the emotional connection the audience builds with this character. Another close-up shot used later on, once again reveals information as not only we but Jason realises that he is bilingual but also has skilled physical ability. We can clearly see this throughout the fight scene he has with the police. His skills displayed not only link to the core element of physical ability but to that of gender. It is stereotypical for a man to be found in this setting as he tussles with the police. It is interesting to note that automatically we as an audience already view him as the good guy even though he is fighting against authority we would typically go to for help. Could this symbolise how influential a man is in our society? Why do we already trust that he is the good guy? Maybe this could link back to the bullet shot mentioned before; the emotional connection we are already beginning to form. We are left with a sense of time passing as we get a tracking shot of the train. Continuity editing is another element used to portray this. The train moving not only literally shows Jason moving onwards but figuratively too as he is getting further and further away from his past. The many modes of transport shown (train, car, boat) resemble Jason moving away from his past. Every moment Jason spends finding out about his past the further away he gets from it and uncovers his new identity. We gather even more information after the fight scene as the camera racks onto the gun further showing Jason's abilities and proof he knows how to use a gun. 

Throughout these scenes we are introduced to the two primary colours of red and blue. These colours play a huge part in the symbolism of this film. Red signifies Bourne's new identity; the man he is becoming. Blue represents his past life. We can instantly see the use of these colours when Jason steps onto land wearing a red puffer jacket. The puffer jacket being so big and protective almost shows the way in which he is protected from his past life; although he discovers more he wants to be further away from it. A wide shot shows Jason walking into the town centre but editing is used to make him disappear after a car drives past him. Interestingly enough this car is blue. This symbolises the ghost of his past and that his past life is no longer and it has vanished. Once he is off the train a mid shot shows him looking towards the red lights that shine off the train; this can show him looking toward his future. A wide shot then shows his silhouette looking back at his footsteps that have come from a blue light. The silhouette aligns perfectly with the use of the blue lighting because we start to attach this idea of a dark side and inner evil to the blue colour. He stands there for a while looking back at his past but continues to move onto his future. There is a moment in the train where the element of a mirror is used as Jason looks at his reflection. A red hue is casted over this mid shot to show Jason looking at his inner self. This shows his true self is not that of the past but who he will become. It's interesting to note that the colour blue is actually the colour used to symbolise governmental organisations like that of the police and what we believe is a federal agency seen earlier in the film. When Jason fights the police they are wearing blue. This is interesting as we are introduced to a plot of good and evil where the narrative is actually twisted to make the audience believe the government/police aren't the heroes. Although not knowing much about Jason we already have our guards up and question whether or not these authoritative characters should be trusted. 

The non-diegetic music used in the beginning of the scene has an inquisitive sense to it. It doesn't relate to a feeling of eeriness or intense but symbolises Bourne's desire to learn more. It's almost like setting the film up for an adventure. However this music does leave the audience thinking what will happen next; it's repetitive which implies that a change has to occur at some point. This is what leaves us with an unsettling feeling, we are in the same position as Jason; clueless. There is an uncomfortable sense of vulnerability. The backing of this music is used throughout majority of these scenes until the non-diegetic sound of dialogue begins. This editing choice makes the audience aware that what is about to be said is of importance. This dialogue is then when we are made aware that Jason can speak another language. Music starts playing again when the fight scene commences but this music contrasts to that of the inquisitive score used before. It is now more intense which will often affect how the audience is feeling as their adrenaline will start to rush. Pleonastic sound of punching and kicking is also used in this fight sequence to lift the intensity. Quick cuts is also used to show the fast paced, chaotic mood of the scene. The audience almost doesn't know where to look as everything moves so fast. This effect can leave some feeling worried as we don't know what we may see next.

Overall, identity is the major theme which is obvious through the use of the title but we can see this through the elements that have been used. The producer toys with the stereotypical idea of good vs evil and the ones we can really trust. However the dominant, strong white male character of Jason Bourne balances the contrast as this is a role society is more used to seeing. The heavy use of colour to symbolise Jason's past and present self is a key concept carried on throughout the film.