The Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum Timeline Isn’t as Confusing as It Seems

Two films, ‘The Bourne Supremacy‘ and ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, which belong to the same series and are set in real-time, were released with a gap of a few years between them – 2004 and 2007 respectively. These movies have been admired for their tight plot continuity based on Robert Ludlum’s novel. The success of ‘The Bourne Identity’, released in 2002 and starring Matt Damon as the amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne, paved the way for two sequels that are noted for their closely-knit storylines. However, some viewers find it puzzling that the same scene is repeated in both ‘Supremacy’ and ‘Ultimatum’. This repetition adds to the intrigue surrounding these films.

The Bourne and Landy Phone Call Scene

As a devoted fan, I must say the moment that left even the most dedicated Bourne enthusiasts puzzled was when Bourne unexpectedly forms an alliance with CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen). This intriguing scene unfolds towards the end of “The Bourne Supremacy”. In this pivotal moment, Landy receives a call from Bourne and discloses his true identity as David Webb. Bourne then tenderly advises her, “Take care, Pam. You look exhausted,” all while watching her from a nearby building.

The Bourne Ultimatum Takes Place Six Weeks After The Bourne Supremacy

In its original release, The Bourne Ultimatum was intended as the final chapter in the story of the amnesiac assassin, but later developments altered this plan. Within the third installment of the series, Jason Bourne sets out to uncover the misdeeds associated with the Treadstone assassination program.

In the span of just six weeks, the events of two movies unfold: first, “Supremacy,” and then “Ultimatum.” The closing scene in “Supremacy” featuring Bourne and Landy is echoed in the second half of “Ultimatum,” hinting at a shared timeline. This suggests that certain elements of “Ultimatum” might have transpired off-screen during “Supremacy.

It might seem like the final scene in the second movie concludes that particular adventure entirely; however, it actually offers a glimpse into events unfolding in the third film’s climax. The preceding scene, where Bourne meets up with the daughter of one of his past victims in Russia, serves to clarify things further. In essence, The Bourne Ultimatum starts in Russia before Bourne returns to the U.S.

In a casual and clear way: At first sight, “The Bourne Ultimatum” seems to manipulate time by adjusting events to fit its narrative. However, upon closer inspection, this technique is actually a clever screenwriting strategy. The specific timeline of the conversation between Landy and Bourne isn’t clear until it’s dramatically revealed in the third movie. Witness for yourself how skillfully it’s executed; both films are available to stream on Peacock.

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2025-01-13 05:39