Matt Damon’s Work in the Action Genre: A Middling Accuracy Score for Select Gun Scenes
Matt Damon is often associated with action movies, particularly the Jason Bourne franchise. His role as a highly-skilled assassin in the series has become iconic. However, a recent analysis by firearms expert Patrick McNamara reveals that the action genre is not exclusively his strong suit.
McNamara examined The Bourne Identity, the 2002 film that launched the franchise, and awarded it a middling accuracy score for select gun scenes. He noted that while Bourne’s holding of the pistol upside down in a pinch wasn’t unrealistic, he took issue with the character not switching to a proper grip after a lull in the fight. Additionally, McNamara critiqued Bourne’s ability to shoot an enemy while in free fall down the center of a staircase.
However, McNamara praised Damon’s gun handling skills, calling them “comfortable” and saying that he looks “at ease” with firearms. In the field scene with Clive Owen’s rival assassin, McNamara gave the film a realism score of six out of 10, citing the character’s use of a shotgun and his technique.
The Bourne Identity’s mixed realism score is not unusual for the franchise, which often stretches the limits of reality. Despite this, the film’s success can be attributed to Damon’s charm and the action sequences, which have become a staple of the franchise. The film received an 84% critics’ score and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a $214 million box office haul.
Damon has continued to appear in a range of films, from sci-fi with The Martian to docudrama with Air. His role as Jason Bourne remains one of his most iconic, and there is ongoing interest in reviving the franchise. In a recent interview, Damon stated that he is open to returning as the character if the story is right.
Ultimately, while The Bourne Identity may not be a paragon of realism, it is an entertaining film that has become a classic in the action genre. With Damon’s charisma and the franchise’s enduring popularity, it’s likely that the series will continue to thrill audiences for years to come.