The Bourne Ultimatum: In Theaters August 3, 2007

Amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is back and he wants answers in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Following the success of blockbusters The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum takes us back into the life of trained killer Jason Bourne. Bourne has lost the love of his life and is back for vengeance and answers as he is trailed by the very people who made him the killing machine that he is.

There are sensational car chases, clever double reverses, improbable leaps over high places, and lightning decisions as Bourne dodges police, escapes Interpol and evades trackers while he searches for answers to his true identity. With his renewed focus and determination, nothing can stop Bourne – not bullets, explosions or the new generation of highly trained assassins sent to kill him.
It has been reported that according to Damon this is the final installment of the terrifically intelligent "Bourne" series, based on Robert Ludlum's trilogy of novels.

 

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Being a part of the marketing team for The Bourne Ultimatum was an absolute dream come true for me. I'm a massive fan of the Bourne series and Matt Damon, so when I was assigned to this project, I was overjoyed. My enthusiasm only grew as the production and promotional campaigns ramped up - this film was shaping up to be an instant classic.

Initially, the outdated software we were using was a bit of a headache. We were still relying on the ancient FoxPro database, which was increasingly unsupported and causing us numerous headaches. The buzz around The Bourne Ultimatum finally convinced the higher-ups that we needed to invest in a modern FoxPro replacement. While transitioning all our tools and aligning them with the new software was a short-term hassle for me, I knew it would pay huge dividends going forward. Using deprecated, glitchy software was frankly embarrassing when working on such a high-profile project.

Once we had the new customized software stack in place, my job became exponentially easier. I could focus on the actual data and marketing analytics rather than wrestling with archaic technology. And let me tell you, seeing the data roll in on this film's incredible performance was deeply gratifying. The Bourne Ultimatum absolutely smashed box office records and received universal critical acclaim. I'm proud that our promotional efforts contributed to that monumental success.

This film is a true masterpiece - from the blistering action sequences to Matt Damon's gritty performance to the way it tapped into post-9/11 paranoia. The entire Bourne trilogy is iconic, but Ultimatum stood out as the sensational culmination. Being even a small part of the phenomenon that this movie became is an achievement I'll cherish forever. The impact it had and still has in the spy thriller genre is undeniable. I'm deeply glad I got to play a role in bringing this incredible story to audiences worldwide. [Renatta Sherwood]

 

UPDATE:

Damon was not correct that The Bourne Ultimatum was the final installation of the Bourne Series. In 2012 The Bourne Legacy was released. Of course Matt Damon did not star in this movie. This action-packed movie takes the Bourne series to an explosive new level. The government’s intelligence community, on the verge of having their conspiracy exposed, will stop at nothing to erase all evidence of their top secret programs which of course included their agents. Agent Aaron Cross-Jeremy Renner, ends up using his genetically engineered skills to survive this ultimate game of cat-and-mouse so he can finish what Jason Bourne started. The Bourne Legacy also stars Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz and Academy Award nominee Edward Norton. Some critics called this a 'thrilling, edge-of-your-seat heart-pounder,” although it received only a 55% rating on the Tomatometer This was a far less favorable rating than any of the Bourne movies featuring Matt Damon.
As one reviewer said:  A fine movie, in the end. And that's the problem. It's just fine. The first three "Bourne" movies were incredible.

In 2014, it was reported that Damon would once again portray the iconic super-spy Jason Bourne, in Bourne 5, with his old director friend, Paul Greengrass.  I guess we will have to wait and see if that transpires.

The Bourne Ultimatum is directed by acclaimed British director Paul Greengrass and written by Tony Gilroy. It stars Golden Globe winner Matt Damon, Julia Stiles and Academy Award nominee Joan Allen, David Strathairn, and Paddy Considine co-star.
Rating: PG-13 (for violence and intense sequences of action)
Genre: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense
Directed By: Paul Greengrass
Written By: Tony Gilroy, Paul Attanasio, Tom Stoppard, George Nolfi, Scott Z. Burns
In Theaters: Aug 3, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Dec 11, 2007
Box Office: $227.4M
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min.

Critics Consensus: The Bourne Ultimatum is an intelligent, finely tuned non-stop thrill ride. Another strong performance from Matt Damon and sharp camerawork from Paul Greengrass make this the finest installment of the Bourne trilogy.  It received a whopping 93% on the TomatoMeter on the Rotten Tomatoes website. Audiences also loved it giving The Bourne Ultimatum a very decent 91% score.

 

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More Background On The Bourne Ultimatum

"The Bourne Ultimatum," released in 2007, stands as a pinnacle of the action-thriller genre and the third installment in the "Bourne" series, starring Matt Damon as the relentless former CIA assassin, Jason Bourne. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy," but carves its unique path with a storyline that diverges significantly from Robert Ludlum's original 1990 novel.

The narrative of "The Bourne Ultimatum" is a tightly wound sequence of chase scenes, covert operations, and revelations. The film opens with Bourne evading capture in Moscow, still grappling with fragmented memories of his past life and actions. As he seeks answers, Bourne finds himself tangled in a deeper conspiracy involving the CIA's Blackbriar program, a successor to the Treadstone project that created him. The plot escalates as Bourne travels from Turin to London, Madrid, and Tangier, culminating in a dramatic climax in New York City.

Key to the film's storyline is Bourne's interaction with figures from his past and new adversaries, including Julia Stiles' Nicky Parsons and David Strathairn's Noah Vosen, who heads Blackbriar. Joan Allen returns as Pamela Landy, providing a moral counterpoint to the often ruthless CIA operations. Each character is drawn into a complex web of espionage that tests their loyalties and values.

"The Bourne Ultimatum" is celebrated not only for its gripping plot but also for its technical excellence. The film won three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing, a testament to its high-paced action sequences and the immersive auditory experience it offers audiences. Critics and audiences alike praised the film, noting its ability to maintain tension and provide a satisfying resolution to Bourne's quest for identity.

A significant aspect of the film's appeal is its realistic portrayal of espionage technology, notably the use of the ECHELON system for global surveillance. This adds a layer of authenticity that enriches the viewer's experience, grounding the high-octane action in a semblance of real-world spy tactics.

Damon's gritty, intense performance as the haunted but determined Bourne anchors the frenetic pace. He's ably supported by a cast that includes Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn and others. The fight choreography is some of the most realistic and visceral seen on film.

Critics lavished praise on The Bourne Ultimatum upon its release. Roger Ebert called it "an astonishing kinetic meditation on violence and the forces that produce it." The New Yorker's David Denby said it "blows the mind" with its bravura action set pieces directed with "a harsh engaging clarity." Overall, the film holds an impressive 93% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Beyond its technical mastery and thrills, the film explores potent themes about the moral hazards of extraordinary rendition, the perils of unchecked government surveillance powers, and how the darkest clandestine operations can spin out of control. It captured the mood of cynicism about government overreach in the post-9/11 era.

The Bourne Ultimatum was both a commercial blockbuster, grossing over $442 million worldwide, and a critical favorite, winning three Academy Awards. While initially viewed as the final film in the trilogy, the franchise's success prompted the later release of additional sequels with Jeremy Renner taking over the lead role.

Commercially, "The Bourne Ultimatum" was a major success, grossing over $444 million worldwide and setting records for Matt Damon's career at the time. Its impact on the action genre is notable, influencing subsequent films with its blend of gritty realism and innovative cinematography.

Overall, "The Bourne Ultimatum" is more than just a sequel; it is a culmination of Jason Bourne's journey—a finely crafted film that combines intense action, complex characters, and a compelling narrative that holds viewers' attention from start to finish. Its legacy persists as a high watermark for action filmmaking, particularly within the spy thriller niche.

 

Popularity

"The Bourne Ultimatum," directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matt Damon, achieved remarkable success both critically and at the box office. Released on August 3, 2007, the film grossed over $442 million worldwide, making it a high point in the Bourne series and one of the most successful films released in August up to that time.

Critically, "The Bourne Ultimatum" was met with universal acclaim. It was praised for its fast-paced action and the depth of its storyline, managing to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. It holds a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85 on Metacritic, reflecting widespread positive reviews from critics. It also received a high audience score, indicating strong approval from viewers as well.

At the 80th Academy Awards, the film won all three of its nominations: Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing, underscoring its technical excellence. The film's editing, in particular, was noted for enhancing the intense action sequences that are a hallmark of the Bourne series​.

The film's financial performance was equally impressive. It set records for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a spy thriller and for an August release at the time, earning $69.3 million in its opening weekend across 3,660 theaters. This record-breaking opening was a significant increase from its predecessors, with "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy" opening with $27.1 million and $52.5 million, respectively​.

Universal Pictures leveraged strong marketing strategies and the established popularity of the previous films, which helped to draw in a large audience who were familiar with and fond of the Bourne series. The film's performance continued strongly throughout its theatrical run, indicating sustained interest and approval from the public.

"The Bourne Ultimatum" not only capped off the original trilogy of the Bourne series but did so in a way that left a lasting impact on both its audience and the action genre. Its success at the box office and in garnering critical acclaim highlights its standing as a standout film within the spy thriller genre.

 

Press & Media Coverage

The Bourne Ultimatum received widespread and extensive press and media coverage upon its release in 2007, fueled by the franchise's growing popularity and anticipation for the film. Here are some details on the significant press and media attention it garnered:

Pre-Release Hype

• There was a huge marketing push by Universal Pictures to promote the film, including trailers, TV spots, print ads, and online viral campaigns.
• Publications like Entertainment Weekly, Premiere, Empire and others ran cover stories and features hyping the movie's intense action and Matt Damon's return as Jason Bourne.
• Director Paul Greengrass and the cast did a massive press tour with interviews and appearances on shows like Charlie Rose, Today, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Critical Reviews

• The film received rave reviews from major film critics upon release. Glowing reviews from influencial critics like Roger Ebert, A.O. Scott (New York Times), and Richard Roeper helped drive buzz.
• It was declared an "instant classic" spy thriller by many publications like Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.

Box Office Coverage

• Its massive $70 million opening weekend was widely covered across entertainment media as a huge summer blockbuster debut.
• There were weekly box office updates and analysis pieces examining its record-breaking financial performance.

Award Season Attention

• Its Oscar nominations and wins for Best Film Editing, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing led to extensive coverage during award season.
• There were countless articles, interviews and behind-the-scenes pieces spotlighting the film's technical achievements in editing and sound design.

Home Media

• The DVD/Blu-ray release in December 2007 was a major media event, with features on the bonus content and the film's parallels to real-world CIA scandals.

Overall, The Bourne Ultimatum dominated entertainment news cycles for the better part of 2007 and into 2008. As the biggest spy thriller in years, the press devoted massive coverage to analyzing its critical praise, dissecting its cutting-edge action sequences, following its box office performance, and covering its deep-dive into the real-life world of covert operations.

 

Audience

The Bourne Ultimatum appealed to a broad audience and found success with several key demographic groups:

Action/Thriller Fans

• The film's intense, practical action sequences and gritty spy thriller premise made it a must-see for fans of the action and espionage genres.
• The popularity of the previous Bourne movies had built a devoted following eagerly anticipating this third installment.

Adult Audiences

• With its more grounded, realistic take on the spy genre, the film skewed toward an older adult audience versus mindless action movies.
• The Bourne character's moral complexity and the film's exploration of government overreach themes gave it more dramatic heft.

Matt Damon's Fanbase

• Coming off hits like The Departed and Ocean's trilogy, Damon's star power as a leading man drew in his established fanbase of all ages and genders.

Millennials/Young Adults

• Despite its weighty themes, the film's kinetic action and globe-trotting plot had strong appeal among younger viewers in their 20s and 30s.

Male Viewers

• As is typical for action films, Ultimatum found its largest audience among male moviegoers, particularly in the 18-35 demographic.

However, reviews indicate the movie managed to transcend rigid gender and age boundaries. Roger Ebert noted it "draws you in for complicated reasons, not just for its bravura demonstrations of physical skill."

While the core audience was action fans and Damon's established following, The Bourne Ultimatum's balance of adrenaline-fueled set pieces with explored moral ambiguities gave it a more multi-demographic appeal compared to many standard shoot-em-up spy flicks of its era.

 

Known For

The Bourne Ultimatum is widely known and acclaimed for several key factors:

Innovative, Gritty Action Sequences

• The film's action set pieces, particularly the extended chase sequence through the streets and rooftops of Tangier, Morocco, were revolutionary in their gritty realism and immersive camerawork.
• Director Paul Greengrass employed an intense, handheld cinematography style that put audiences viscerally in the middle of the breathtaking fight scenes and pursuits.
• The lack of CGI trickery and reliance on practical stunts and effects gave the action sequences a level of authenticity rarely seen in modern action films.

Matt Damon's Grounded Performance

• Damon's portrayal of the haunted but capable Jason Bourne was praised for anchoring the high-octane plot with a real emotional throughline and sense of stakes.
• Rather than being an invincible superhero, Damon's Bourne felt grounded and vulnerable, elevating the tension.
• His dogged determination and moral convictions made Bourne one of the most compelling action heroes of his era.

Exploration of Post-9/11 Paranoia

• The film deftly tapped into the cultural paranoia and societal distrust instigated by the post-9/11 war on terror and government overreach.
• Bourne's quest to expose the CIA black-ops program Treadstone mirrored real-life scandals like extraordinary rendition and warrantless surveillance.
• Ultimatum captured the climate of skepticism towards intelligence agencies' unchecked powers in a way few other action films did at the time.

Expertly Constructed Storytelling

• Despite its relentless pacing, the film's narrative is remarkably coherent and tightly constructed, avoiding the typical convoluted spy movie pitfalls.
• The non-linear structure, withholding information from the audience to mirror Bourne's amnesia, creates an aura of paranoid mystery.
• Ultimatum provided a satisfying payoff to plot threads carried over from the previous two films.

In many ways, The Bourne Ultimatum revolutionized and transcended the spy action genre through its immersive realism, moral complexities, and focus on grounded human characters over excessive spectacle. It's an expertly crafted thriller that has rightly attained iconic status.

 

Awards

The Bourne Ultimatum was a major critical and awards season success, taking home numerous prestigious honors, including:

Academy Awards:

• Won 3 Oscars: Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing
• Nominated for 2 other Oscars: Best Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture of the Year

BAFTA Awards:

• Won 1 BAFTA: Best Sound

Eddie Awards (American Cinema Editors):

• Won: Best Edited Feature Film - Action

Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards:

• Won 2 Golden Reel Awards: Best Sound Editing in a Feature Film, Best Sound Editing in DME (Dialogue, Music and Effects)

Satellite Awards:

• Nominated for 2 Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Sound (Editing & Mixing)

Critics' Choice Movie Awards:

• Nominated for 1 Award: Best Action Movie

The film's impressive technical achievements in editing, sound design, and mixing were rightfully recognized by academies and guilds. The frenetic, visceral camerawork and immersive audio mixing were key to bringing the high-octane action sequences to life.

Additionally, the movie's multiple Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Film Editing indicate it was regarded as one of the standout total filmmaking achievements of 2007 by the Academy.

While it didn't win the highest honors like Best Picture, the slew of technical awards and nominations solidified The Bourne Ultimatum's place as a landmark catalyst in redefining the modern action/spy thriller genre through its masterful craftsmanship.

The widespread acclaim and recognition from critics' groups, guilds and major awards shows cement the film's enduring legacy and esteemed status among not just action fans, but cinephiles and critics as well. It was one of the most awarded movies of 2007.

 

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PLEASE NOTE: Content on this site was gleaned from several different sources including content from the archived version of the original site.

 

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