Book or Film?

I don't usually get involved in the debate about which is better the book or the film (as I'm not a great reader anymore) but the release of the second installment in the Jason Bourne franchise has prompted me to comment.

I stumbled upon Robert Ludlum (the author) and his books may years ago and have re-read his best works many times since and rate The Bourne Identity in the top 5. A cracking read, the first time I actually read the book straight through the night as I could not put it down, with more plot twists than my tiny brain could accommodate. A cliche yes but in this case it was true. The film of the same name is only loosely based on the actual novel, and you could argue a more accurate description of the film is that the character is based on the book rather than a cinematic version of it. The whole premise of the book depends on the amnesia and also the reason for Bourne's existence. He's not just some assassin that the U.S. seem to locate in all the major cities of the world, he has got a specific mission which he tries to successfully conclude as the only possible way of getting his real identity back. The battle between his bosses (U.S. Secret Service), the actual target of his mission and his own amnesia is thrilling.

While I did enjoy the film (I watched the original again last night on DVD) I would urge you to read the books. Starting with The Bourne Identity then The Bourne Supremacy and concluding with the slightly disappointing The Bourne Ultimatum. Sadly since Ludlum's death and the success of the film some no-mark has written a fourth book based on the character but I would leave that well alone.

If you like the first 2 books in the Bourne series I would suggest checking out The Matrese Circle (the first Ludlum book I read), The Holcroft Covenant and The Parsifal Mosaic, all great reads and I could go on with more, steer clear of his later work though.

The Bourne trilogy

Category:

• Book
• Film