The Making of The Bourne Identity was a Sh*t Show

Remembering who you are is hard. Let’s talk about how difficult it was to make The Bourne Identity, from dealing with Director Doug Liman’s erratic behavior to the endless amount of reshooting to get the film right.
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In the entertainment world, there are millions of dollars on the line and troubled productions are bound to happen. And we are going to talk about these disastrous, never ending, and sometimes dangerous productions. From the creators of WTF Happened To This Movie?, It Was A Sh*t Show is a video essay/documentary/podcast series looking at some of your favorite films and tv shows, and why they were such a nightmare to make.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Swingers & Go Director Doug Liman
02:06 - The Bourne Identity Flies to Universal
03:09 - William Blake Herron’s Faithful Adaptation
03:35 - Tony Gilroy Brings Bourne Down to Earth
05:36 - Casting Matt Damon as Jason Bourne
06:33 - Liman Ditches Gilroy and Montreal
07:34 - David Self’s New Script Angers Damon
08:17 - Frank Marshall Tries Wrangling Liman
10:14 - Liman’s Paranoia of Universal
10:51 - The New Wave of Action Films
12:06 - Reviving the Farmhouse Set Piece
13:22 - Shooting Clive Owen Without Permission
14:35 - Problem Solving for Editor Saar Klein
15:24 - Reshooting the Ending
16:56 - Debating the Disaster
17:40 - The Bourne Identity Releases June 14, 2002
18:12 - Liman Gets Booted from the Sequels
18:46 - The Bourne Series’ Troubles
19:59 - Bourne Shapes the Future of Action Films
Sources:
BBC: bbc.in/417Tkn5
Box Office Mojo: bit.ly/429AMDx
Entertainment Weekly: bit.ly/3mp1xDz
Film School Rejects: bit.ly/3kLJmaK
GQ: bit.ly/3Ej2Tpu
The Guardian: bit.ly/3IfJJ56
Hollywood Reporter: bit.ly/3ImSvQa
LA Times: lat.ms/3IRSgvj
Movie Habit: bit.ly/3IdM28P
New York Magazine: nym.ag/3JeH51h
The New Yorker: bit.ly/3xAaJqZ
The Ringer: bit.ly/3YCklgk
Rolling Stone: bit.ly/3yqwzxB
Rotten Tomatoes: bit.ly/3ZrLL9Q
Variety: bit.ly/3k2Qm2C
Variety: bit.ly/3lJOYCG
Wall Street Journal: on.wsj.com/3SM2r9v
Featured Footage:
1941 (1979)
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Bourne Identity (2002)*
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)*
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Charlie's Angels (2000)
Die Another Day (2002)
Extraction (2020)
Fight Club (1999)
Get Carter (2000)
Gladiator (2000)
Go (1999)
Hero (2002)
Jason Bourne (2016)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
John Wick (2014)
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Letterkenny (2016- )
The Matrix (1999)
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Proof of Life (2000)
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Scrubs (2001-2010)
Spy Game (2001)
Spy Kids (2001)
Swingers (1996)
Taken 2 (2012)
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Ted Lasso (2020- )
Thirteen Days (2000)
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
*and special features
Austin Film Festival: • On Story: A Conversati...
The Bobbie Wygant Archive: • Frank Marshall "The Bo...
Collider: • Julia Stiles Explains ...
TIFF Talks: kzbin.info9rMCgVrW...
Music:
John Powell - The Bourne Identity OST
Moby - Extreme Ways
Paul Oakenfold - Ready Steady Go
Ryan Hudson - Sh*t Show Theme
#itwasashtshow #thebourneidentity #dougliman

[@Sharkbaby424]

I’ve been a Shit Show fan for years but I’ll say you’re getting better at producing these. This was an excellent episode. The “podcast” episodes are my favorite because I love the chemistry and humor of the the three hosts, but I also love episodes like this which present the well-researched information succinctly and your editing skills have improved to the point where each “documentary” episode like this is looking more professional and snazzier. Basically, every shit show is a good shit show!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you! I’m glad you’re noticing the progression. This one and the first Arrested Dev episode I think are my best edits. Definitely way better than my first… I can barely watch the early ones.

[@KidVolcano]

​​@@ItWasAShtShow The AD episodes are still among my favorites. Thanks for everything, and never stop growing.

[@youtubesucks1821]

He loses points for not making these shit show videos actual shit shows. I was expecting a halfbaked confusing video that aggressively annoyed me. Instead I got a normally understandable entertaining one. THIS NEEDS TO STOP!!

[@lyrilljackson]

@@ItWasAShtShow nobody cares about hollywood rearing its rears. distasteful to dump the trash in public even if this is 2 decades old+. be glad the movies were at least solid, especially 2 (edit: and 1 partly. I don't know why i forgot to specify my thoughts on 345 like I did elsewhere in relevant.recency, i still am in no mood to atm) doug liman went on to make a lot of cool action films. gilroy and marshall isn't all of hollywood and hollywood can never be all of culture. get a grip

[@kodiekulp]

​​​@@ItWasAShtShow it's a strange thing when you first look back at your earlier work. At the times You feel that you've got it under control. that it's going great. "Hey, I'm actually producing stuff!" I do a small weekly show about extremism in American politics and religion. I try to make it funny so we don't weep for humanity. And when I go back and look at my earlier work, it makes me uncomfortable 😂 I spoke slower. I didn't have the editing down as well as I do now so there would be a lot of mistakes(like I would redo a small take to fit a word or line I messed up and forget to erase the line I was replacing, essentially playing the clip twice 😂). was really bad with Inconsistency of fonts. I would find a new fonts that looked cool and just use it rather than having a "look" for the channel(I mostly use black and yellow for the channel "look" now). Record clips that would have a white frame on the left side border ( whatever side) that I caught with the screen grabber/recorder and not crop it out. And I was using the computer microphone instead of real microphone for the very early videos which made me sound like I was recording in a trash can. If I'm being honest though, I've seen the progression but your videos were still darn good when I first started watching them. And I'm still enjoying them to this day 😁 Cheers!

[@austyn8942]

Liman was simply getting in the mindset of an Amnesiac. "Method" directing

[@janglausercomposer]

I wonder what Brian Cox thought of this LOL

[@just_some_random_guy]

"Method directing." ROTFL!

[@prats_d1196]

LMAO

[@esmeecampbell7396]

@@janglausercomposer I'm sure he didn't much care as long as he was getting paid. His role in the film was to sit in an office and talk to someone, it was hardly going to reflect badly on him if that was cut, edited weirdly, shot from a weird angle... he probably couldn't care less how it got there or what it was going to look like.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

The Bourne trilogy was honestly the best action franchise of the 2000’s, which makes the insane behind-the-scenes of the first film so incredible. Thanks for shedding light on it!

[@spacemann1425]

Nah lol not even close. If anything it pretty much ruined action with that shaky cam quick cut nonsense.

[@heymeRaj]

It was the best spy franchise for sure. While I loved the action, shaky cam hasn't aged well.

[@spacemann1425]

@@heymeRaj best spy franchise.....of all time?

[@radar0412]

​@@spacemann1425 Nah. "The Borne identity" single handedly spurred on the Kick Ass loner movie franchises like The Equalizer, Jack Reacher, and John Wick.

[@spacemann1425]

@@radar0412 it didn't spur any of those. John Wick came significantly later and it was made as an antidote to the shitty quick cut style of Jason Bourne which would no longer work now and had already been out of fashion. The Equalizer followed pretty much the same formula.

[@darrenmiffitt6353]

Despite all the terrible things said about him, Liman has made some incredible films. Mr and mrs Smith is very good, and Edge of Tomorrow is almost a perfect film. Dude is underrated.

[@exploringhorrorhuey]

big facts

[@maria263]

Go is one of my favorite movies to this day

[@cwtrain]

This might be the first correct use of the word "underrated" I've seen on the internet in two years.

[@roderick8167]

Facts 💯🔥

[@CamJames]

While that's true, he also sounds horrible to work with. Artists and structure are often enemies.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

The Bourne Identity was absolutely brilliant. I've re-watched it many times.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

Thank god they used Paris for the outside shots and Car chase scenes

[@zerubbabelsbridge]

Same

[@jasonbourne4138]

Me2.

[@southcoastpauly]

Same same

[@believeinmatter]

I love this movie so much. It’s just a fun watch, and really cemented Matt Damon as a staple action/drama actor. Still holds up really well today

[@opart]

Totally, unlike the sequel and the third movie... None of that stupid color tint, or oversized action. And thank god for shooting on location in Europe instead of faking it in Canada.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Bourne identity was the few movies I watched till the credits on DVD, I like the music 🎵 and then saw the director s name, which is rare for me . I wish there was more, part 2 where Bourne will be with Marie more screen time. In recent press tour,it does seem Matt Daman is keeping himself up for more Bourne sequel, unlike Tom cruise. I don't mind Jeremy Reiner to continue...

[@stevenburke9160]

agreed - much better than the ridiculous shaky cam fests that were the next two movies by Greengrass. I get first person POV stuff, but shaking the cam all the time even when someone's just sitting on a bed chatting? That's just stupid. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the second and third movies the first time I got to see them because of the story, but they hold almost zero rewatch value because of the shake-fest, unlike Liman's first movie which has massive rewatch value. He should have done the trilogy.

[@DanielEarl]

Paintball is something you do with the crew AFTER production is finished 😂

[@RomainSandt]

Bourne was so much of fresh new thing. Hard to believe it was such a nightmare behind the cameras. A revolution in action until the Wick series, Atomic Blonde.

[@CMontgomeryBurns09]

Don't forget The Raid (2011, 2014)!

[@geronimo8159]

Ouff, Atomic Blonde was neither innovative nor consistent. Some of the action did look good, but it was really one giant plothole...

[@FabledGentleman]

@@geronimo8159 I don't even think the action scenes looked good in Atomic Blonde. It's way too obvious the "bad guys" are throwing themselves down. The hits that tiny woman is suppose to deliver, isn't believable, she doesn't have the mass. Neither does she have the proper speed, so the bad guys have to wait in line to attack her when the time is right. They should have stayed away from one takes, because they didn't manage to pull it off.

[@Ryo-Kunj]

​@@geronimo8159 I thought I didn't understand the movie cause maybe it is too artistry or something, I was bored and it went over my head I found the movie boring.

[@burlhorse61]

Atomic Blonde??that was crap

[@2bitnerd]

These documentary videos are absolutely incredible. Just keep making these.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thanks, will do!

[@quinndziwura7726]

I agree!

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Keep your day job.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

@@busterbiloxi3833 Ok sad boy. Go troll someone else.

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

​@@ItWasAShtShowI can't help to think, that while cutting over from much later interviews, back to the actual film/movie footage, actual MPEG-2 compression retail DVDs were used to extract scenes from. Many of us in this "You Tube" universe we produce our documentaries in, aren't always given actual major motion picture, uncompressed footage on hard drives to work with, but have to resort to ripping the movie data (scenes) off of a standard, consumer based DVD discs, using "ripping software" and hence, due to copyright protections, when ripping, we are left with a "darkened", "dimmed" & "low lit" footage to use in our online docs. Major studios are NOTORIOUS for not lending or leasing out their uncompressed footage, if they do, their leasing prices are exorbitant, which seemingly is the case here with your fine, show-all, deep-dive, documentaries. Just something I notice on your channel; however, I may be wrong??? BolsaChicaRadio

[@isaaccrist8642]

There’s an action hero for every decade it seems- Jason Bourne was our 2000’s action hero and it was a glorious time. I recently rewatched Bourne identity a couple of weeks ago and was floored by not only how well it held up, but it’s even better than I remember. It looks beautiful, it’s fight scenes are shot expertly, the story is incredible, the only bad thing I honestly could say about it is the punching sound effects in the Paris apt scene is straight out of a Hong Kong action movie, but there’s even enjoyment in that too. Love the Bourne trilogy

[@labrador-fx3fb]

But the question is: is it sexual enough? I fear, not.

[@srinivarma1320]

​@@labrador-fx3fbwhat

[@damyr55]

​@@labrador-fx3fb Is that some kind of reference, or just a completely random question?

[@spacemann1425]

The action hero for 2000s was James Bond, Casino Royale blew it out of the park with that brilliant film.

[@isaaccrist8642]

@@spacemann1425 fair enough, casino royale is my fav bond movie, but you can’t deny the impact Bourne had in the 2000s they literally wanted Bond to be a lil more like Bourne especially those first 2 movies, I do love Craig as Bond

[@Duderino17]

Another detail that fits right in with Identity's production is the music. Carter Burwell was the original composer who had scored the film more traditionally, to Doug Liman's distaste. John Powell was brought in as a replacement, and one of the primary reasons we got the now signature minimalist, electronic, and percussive score was because the production's budget for music was practically all spent. So a lot of stuff in the score was programmed, performed, and produced by Powell himself and his small team. The original plan was just to go for Powell's largely electronic work, but strings were added later to make for more a cinematic feel to the music while maintaing Powell's experimental sound. All said, it's just another part of The Bourne Identity's production which became defining for the series, and another thing that other action movies in the years following imitated but never truly replicated.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

I noted Burwell being replaced but I couldn’t find a reputable source for it. So I didn’t mention it. Powell’s work though? I had it in my head for a week.

[@eugez]

As a music fan myself, hearing the score back then, I thought its freaking awesome and out of ordinary, like how the film is and suits very well. It would have felt different if not because pf these issues we know now.

[@ZemplinTemplar]

John Powell's score for the three films is fantastic. He's done a lot of good music for films over the years, but the three Bourne films are still one of the highlights. I've always enjoyed his tense, sometimes meandering, sometimes just downright moody and atmospheric themes. I grew up playing games, including stealth games, with moody, atmospheric ambients, and hearing similar elements in the music (besides the more predictable actiony themes) of The Bourne Identity, when I first saw it not long after its premiere, was just music to my ears. ("Drive to Paris", though a short track, is a masterclass in a moody, intimate, lonely, very human piece of music in a film so filled with tension, escapes, paranoia and the darker side of humanity. Really brought the night drive scene to life and hinted at the growing sense of friendship between the two main leads.) One thing I appreciate is that Powell didn't overdo it with recurring leitmotifs and tried to make many of the themes sound unique, standing on their own. He deserved every award he received for the score.

[@123JWJWJW]

@@ZemplinTemplar Well said. I very much agree. The three scores, but especially the Identity, are regulars on my playlist. I think The Italian Job score is in the realm of them as well. Not as good but same feeling.

[@bynrdskynrd]

I'm recalling the story about how Barbara Broccoli (Cubby's Daughter) was pointing at the screen while watching Bourne Identity and saying,'This! THIS is Bond!" or something to that effect, and that's how we got Daniel Craig Bond (and partially, the Nolan Batmans).

[@marcdaniels9079]

Yeah it was pretty obvious to be fair … more or less a rip off

[@bynrdskynrd]

@Marc Daniels Well, I saw Bourne in the theater, and everyone clapped for the last action scene where he rode the dude down almost Slim Whitman-style...nobody knew it was going to be a shock to Hollywood's MO on movie-making at the time.

[@marcdaniels9079]

@@bynrdskynrd I meant when you watched DC as Bond it was obvious the inspiration was Bourne.

[@bynrdskynrd]

@@marcdaniels9079 the "OMG REALISM" in Nolan's movie was definitely influenced from Bourne. The argument is...Bourne changed action movies for almost 20 years. Enough for Brits to make "Kingsman" as a reaction to the "Bourne Bonds."

[@marcdaniels9079]

@@bynrdskynrd Agree. Fights scenes were transformed by Bourne in particular

[@arlyquino]

I've heard the actual credit for the action style of the film--full fights, brutal medium shots where you can't hide, unique choices--belongs to one of the second unit directors in charge of the fights, Nick Powell. His idea, and once they started seeing the results, they kept using it

[@roderick8167]

Wow I guess this explains why they never brought back Doug Liman to direct anymore Bourne movies because I love The Borune Identity and I've wondered why Universal never brought him back , well now I know why Lol

[@Theomite]

It worked out anyway. Greengrass did a much better job.

[@roderick8167]

@@Theomite in my opinion the first movie is still my favorite and the best one in the franchise but I respect other people's opinions if they prefer the sequels more

[@Theomite]

@@roderick8167 Right. There's always personal taste/preference. If you're lucky, you can actually explain it instead of saying "I dunno why, I just do!" like with me and JAWS 3. I like it, but damned if I can explain why.

[@roderick8167]

@@Theomite personally I prefer the action in the first movie there's no distracting shaky cam that made it hard to see the action and I was actually able to see what was going on and didn't make me feel dizzy like I had vertigo Lol, also I like the relationship between Jason and Marie in the first movie and I didn't like that she got killed off so quickly in the second movie like she didn't matter I get why they did it to give Jason motivation and a reason to go after the government but still was not a fan , also I like the smaller scale simple story of the first movie Jason just trying to remember his past while also fighting people coming after him very simple and effective

[@brosmett6127]

Damon refused to work with him again

[@ruk2023--]

I have worked with a creative director like Liman before. I feel sorry for everyone who had to interact with him.

[@fritzb.3978]

Ha! Me too! I almost had PTSD while watching but then felt comforted that I’m not alone!

[@joekingori7]

preach preacher🤣

[@busterbiloxi3833]

I feel sorry for having been sullied by reading your post!

[@ruk2023--]

@@busterbiloxi3833 cool

[@5Ci0N]

Well I worked for Liman himself so I win

[@francispicotte6174]

The Bourne Identify is a true masterpiece. Hard to believe all the chaos that went on during its creation.

[@alZiiHardstylez]

I've been looking for another 'watch when eating dinner' YT channel and I'm glad I've found it :)

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Welcome!

[@scottwhittaker4959]

Love the first Bourne. On screen it seems to be a very well-thought-out production, as if they knew they had something special and didn't need to spice it up. Funny how that works.

[@thattroy]

Best. Episode. Ever. How so much mess made for such a good movie is mind boggling. Brilliant job, team!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Best ever?! You crazy

[@thattroy]

Oh, and do some googling on “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.” - would make for an insane sh!tshow podcast.

[@FabledGentleman]

You should look into the production of "Apocalypse Now". That was an incredible fail of production, where Martin Sheen got a heart attack among thousand of other problems. Yet, in the end, it became one of the greatest movies ever made.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

@@FabledGentleman Oh that one has been on the list since the beginning.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Terrible speculative dreck.

[@GA-1st]

That was comprehensive and well-researched! Liman is essentially a spoiled brat who has had the good fortune of being rescued more than once by the collaborative process.. When that goes wrong, however, he ends up with four bombs in a row. I'm always fascinated how out of chaos a great movie can arise - Casablanca, The Godfather, and Jaws are just a few notable examples. I'm not saying "The Bourne Identity" was quite in their league, but it did change the genre forever.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

It’s funny but on my end, I just assume everything in this video is wrong, because of the initial bit about how poor the book was and how awful the author is. I thought the book was fantastic, and I loved the political intrigue in it. Not to mention, the good parts of this film are all lifted directly from the book. Even just the statement “The entire book was thrown out and only the concept of an assassin with amnesia was kept” thats not true at all haha. Major plot points from the book were abandoned, and the focus was shifted. However, ALL of the best scenes from the film were directly lifted from the book! The only way someone wouldn’t know that is… if they never read the book but chose to give an opinion on it! Since this KZbin author had that aspect of it so completely wrong, I simply assume he was also wrong as to how difficult the director was to work with. The final film was phenomenal, and that is all due to the director. So how can we say he had no idea what he was doing or was incompetent when the final film turns out so excellent? Had the guy managed to get anything on the book correct, i would be more likely to believe him. As is? I highly doubt it.

[@hjarten]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 I thought 'Edge of Tomorrow' was a tremendous film by Liman, as well. And Gilroy did fine work with 'Michael Clayton'.

[@esmeecampbell7396]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 I wouldn't say that the film is ALL due to the director. Collaborative process exists, Doug Liman didn't tell them where to put every camera he had a DOP. Doug Liman didn't write the script, he got a writer to flesh out ideas, then change them, try new stuff, then incorporate new elements. Gilroy is most responsible for it being a good film as the original script would have just sucked WHOEVER made it into a film. (A mediocre director can make a good film from a great scipt, but a great director can never make a good film with a bad script *or at least I can't think of any examples where they did feel free to let me know if you can because I'm interested* ) Then there's the mess when it comes to blocking, a lack of wide shots, editing becomes an issue, apparently the music was also an issue with the soundtrack being replaced late on. I'm really interested what the original screening before those reshoots looked like, because that is the more "true" Doug Liman version, though the fully true version with no producer coming in to help do his job for him obviously never happened because they intervened within the first 5 days of filming. Ludlum novels are fun, and they aren't "bad" but they are considered like Lee Child or James Patterson novels, "Dad fiction" I call it, they aren't badly written per se, but they aren't exactly masterpieces, I think the film benefits a LOT from what they cut out of the book and from what the writer added, and from the performances given by the actors. The film positively benefits from the dirge of crap action films that came out before it, but the fact it remains a good film to watch even now for people who didn't grow up on those crap action films, proves it isn't just "good by comparison" to what was in 2000-2002. The "authentic" version to the books is the Herron version from 1988, and it is not well regarded for a reason.

[@CNCTEMATIC]

Liman's Identity is in another league to the Greengrass sequels. He may have pissed of the studio but he made a masterpiece.

[@dashx1103]

Liman has "something." His odd streaming series for KZbin, "Impulse," is actually one of the best series made in the last decade.

[@malemanjulpax2155]

Greengrass action scene was shaky. At times, painful in the eyes to watch

[@ratmdex]

The entire culmination of this project was so influential. The editing, the concept, the MUSIC, all time-less. I love this franchise and I was obsessed with it as a teenager. Those close up shots were the reason I wanted to become a director.

[@justinstoll4955]

If I had a nickel for ever time Gilroy has been to arbitration, I'd be rich. But he's great writer. And although shakey cam and quick cutting work for this particular series, it was terrible in the majority of other action movies. I'm looking at you Taken 3!

[@jamesballard42]

Shaky quick cuts wasn't so much a style as it was a necessity to help Liam Neeson look semi-believable

[@n_tas]

@@jamesballard42 Steven Segal could learn a thing or two...

[@prats_d1196]

I honestly can't figure out if Gilroy was a bigger problem for the franchise or Liman. But as far as the shakey cam and quick cutting style goes, it should've just been a one time thing. Shouldn't have been reproduced as much as it was. Thank God for films like Skyfall for bringing back the classic style of action.

[@EddieG1888]

3:31 is the stuntman who did the leap from the dam at the beginning of GoldenEye, Wayne Michaels.

[@biongrenn8010]

The behind the scene stories were jaw dropping. But, the franchise is a masterpiece. I'd watch them again. Also, the bourne legacy starring j. Renner is underrated. It is amazing.

[@elainepotgieter9403]

I'm so glad someone else appreciates the Bourne Legacy. I was disappointed with it initially as I was expecting Matt Damon to be in it really grew on me. Jeremy Renner's acting is actually superb. I love the scene where he and Raquel Walsh are fleeing from the burning house and they have this long conversation in the car where he starts piecing things together. His reaction to discovering that she was responsible for giving him 'the mystery flu' was priceless. The story is also so well-constructed and perfectly interwoven with the preceding Bourne Movies and actually helps to tie up a lot of loose ends.

[@brysimm404]

I know, right? Bourne Legacy is damn good & Renner is terrific. I so wish the last Bourne movie had been a story with Renner and Damon together!

[@snowdenwyatt6276]

As you cover in great detail in the video, Liman is notorious for two things: being over budget & being over schedule. Studios will often forgive the former if your end product is successful enough, but the latter will kill you every time. Most participants both in front of and behind the camera are scheduled out the wazoo. 1-2 weeks after finishing one project you are often contracted to be on another set for another studio. Getting the major talent back together for re-shoots is usually a major pain in the ass. There's a certain infamous CGI-erased mustache that was caused entirely by unscheduled re-shoots.

[@haydenlane9600]

Thanks to these videos I’m becoming a Tony gilroy fan knowing how much he’s contributed to some awesome movies over the years. His ego however is a bit bothersome to me but his work speaks for itself.

[@ElEspectroDeLaMi]

This has finally answered a question I've had for over 20 years, but never thought to look into until this popped up in my recommendations: how in the absolute hell did Doug Liman go from Swingers to The Bourne Identity so quickly? I was obsessed with the production of Swingers in 2002, learning everything I could, and I couldn't figure out how Liman could realistically go from barely getting Swingers finished by the skin of its teeth (because of its budget) with a true independent filmmaker's spirit, to a $50 million studio film. At the time, in 2002, most of this information wasn't readily available, so that answer couldn't be found. And, naturally, it seems like Universal wasn't keen on including ALL of this behind the scenes drama on the DVD back then. 16-year-old me is still somewhere in there thrilled to finally be getting all these details.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Glad to help!

[@dashx1103]

Go was terrific. In between.

[@TeaMakerJason]

This is why I love this channel. I would have NEVER KNOWN - I must have watched this dozens of times growing up

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

Bourne Legacy is my absolute favorite. The world building, the main character wanting something logical, and the commentary.

[@ninjanibba4259]

the film quite literally betrayed the franchise and clearly didn't understand what made the trilogy work

[@AnyoneCanSee]

A great wee documentary. Hard to believe it is 20 years ago. As a cinema lover who lived through it, I cannot stress how much this movie changed the action genre. Austin Powers is sometimes credited with changing Bond but it was this movie. This ended Pierce Brosnan as Bond and brought in Daniel Craig. There is no way they could continue with invisible cars and kitesurfing tidal waves after this. They knew they needed a man who looked like he could kick the shit out of people in close combat and a movie filled with one on one violence to keep Bond from going the way of the Dodo. As you say at the end, the shakey cam was often done badly in the same way as those imitating Tarantino in the 90s did it badly.

[@FireFighter214]

This is one of my favorite movies, and I had no idea the making of it was so chaotic.

[@kodiekulp]

I was a journalism major. I had to take a production 1 class. Which essentially teaches how a production runs and you have to donate time on a student production . Stuff like that. It really changes your perspective of film when you become part of the collaborative process of filming / production. I've been watching this channel for a while and this show was something I pointed to for other students to understand how much of a nightmare these productions can be for people. Turns out I didn't really have to do that because I had to do a group project with six or seven other students and on the first day the sound guy didn't record any sound. it was definitely a bit of a sh*t show

[@tylerjennings8242]

I love these movies. Just ran through all of them again the other day for the first time in forever. I think The Bourne Legacy with Renner is highly underrated. It’s a great film that ties right into the same time frame as the end of The Bourne Ultimatum. It’s unusual that a series of four movies all work so well together and never let up. Edit: I genuinely forgot that Damon was in another film in 2016 haha. I have never seen that. I think the first four movies were fine.

[@fredbloggs5902]

The last one is ok, but not as good as the others.

[@timweaver7826]

@@fredbloggs5902 I've watched all the other ones at least 5imes each (including the one with Renner). Only saw that '16 one once....and that was enough.

[@drummadave]

Thank you. "Bourne Legacy" is really good

[@rome8180]

Liman sounds like every artist I know. This video made it seem like indecisiveness and a difficult personality are unusual traits among artists. If anything, they're the norm -- especially among the great artists.

[@matildatheoboldt2261]

Lyman reminds me of a boss I had. Not an idiot by any means capable of good ideas but you have to sift through a lot of batshit

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Exactly. Hearing how people describe him, you immediately go, I know someone just like that (and they’ve usually somehow failed upwards into a managerial role).

[@krishanuA]

Most of us have had such a boss at some point in time 😅

[@fhnhockey25]

Best channel for film, stuff nobody else brings up 👍

[@vgr9495]

Dude this video is absolutely amazing. Praying to the algorithm gods on this one for you.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed editing this one and I think it shows.

[@Michael._The_Storyteller]

DUDE,, So good a take on movies. My Dad was an actor, a Thespian, would say he, in WWII he was in special services, as a performer. he taught me, 'The Show is the Thing' it's the 90 minutes (the running time in the old days, you had the Feature "A" Movies, and the "B" movies in each showing) that connects the beginning to the end. The Cinema was like Variety Television Show from the 50's 60's This is worth the price of the ticket. Extreme Ways just SMELL'S like Popcorn.

[@alexhill2495]

Damn I absolutely did not expect a new Sh*t Show today but I am HYPE for it.

[@Applecompuser]

I think the film is a master piece. So many films of this genre are unwatchable. This film was very unique.

[@H0urg1ass]

As someone who spent my entire career in the Intelligence Community, I have to say that this is my favorite spy movie of all time. It might have been a mess, but it's a beautiful mess.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Sure. You were a sanitation engineer in Brixton.

[@siliyemoodislam]

First time watching Bourn in Vienna Austria was a blast. I felt I was part of the movie because of the filming locations and snow. Walking in MariaHilfer Strasse, I was expecting to bump into Jason in any given moment. I love this franchise to the core. Even Bourne Legacy is still a good one but nothing can bit the very first installment.

[@VincentStevenStudio]

On every film ive worked on theres always some shit happening. Egos clashing between directors and actors. Directors unhappy with writers. Producers not happy with the edits. Theres always something. Ive never been on a set where everything is perfectly planned and everyone is happy. This channel helps bring that to light even more. Making movies is hard. Were lucky if they turn out to be really good and successful. Just hope for the best.

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

Bourne is the best movie trilogy imo. Every entry is consistently high quality

[@francissampson]

One of my favorites also .

[@kvtan7]

I personally still preferred the 1st movie's cinematic style over the sequels that were more focused on action. Of the 4 movies, I have rewatched it the most.

[@vikramgogoi3621]

Absolutely. I always found the 2nd and 3rd movies to be dragging their feet in the final acts.

[@paddymcgrath9721]

My best friend was the in joke and David Webb in real life. Him and Matt just did Air so they are working again. David was First AD on a few of their films.

[@onelifetolive927]

I couldn't tell from watching it. It's a great movie. Engaging characters, perfect casting and a fast moving story.

[@Alflogan]

This is my favourite KZbin channel and podcast! Thanks for the great content

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Our pleasure!

[@tripencrypt]

Well written, well edited and propulsive throughout. Voiceover was well performed, not too over the top. Not sure about the ending, but realize the need to inject humor. Solid work.

[@angelthman1659]

Wow, BI is so sharp and well-made, it's hard to believe the shooting was a mess.

[@timk1828]

Absolutely one of the best action films ever made.

[@weiSane]

Oh man I love these episodes you keep churning out. Well researched and presented properly. Alot of people don't know how messy things can be behind the scenes but as some of us know, great things come at a price. Keep churning these out man.

[@djmeowth]

Thanks for the deep dive on one of my favorite movies! I had no idea Nicky was originally scripted to die. To be honest, that would have been awful. I'm sure she would have attacked Bourne or something, but still, flipping her onto her head and breaking her neck seems like an unnecessarily cruel way of dispatching her character. I've always hated the way she went out in Jason Bourne, but now I'm starting to think it's not so bad compared to what could have been.

[@gbgary]

the Bourne franchise is terrific. I've watched them ALL many, many times.

[@manwiththeplan67]

These documentary style reviews are amazingly good. 👏 Keep em coming

[@Menstral]

Fantastic video. Robert Ludlum's book was horiffic. Swingers was okay, with a couple of moments of brilliance, but I thought Go was really good, and then I was blown away by The Bourne Identity. I always wondered why Doug Liman didn't direct more things, and I was wishing he was more active, but now I am better informed because of your video. Doug Liman has definitely got his finger on the pulse of something. The Bourne Ultimatum was the best movie of the trilogy. I guess making the sausage was pretty ugly on that movie.

[@Penguin_pablo17]

Just found this channel within the last week and have listened to almost everything you've put out. Great work and production. Love the podcast as well! The lunches joke cracks me up every time

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Love to hear it!

[@KavirajSingh]

Something so beautiful out of chaos. It's like turning air into gold.

[@GandalfTheLysergic]

When I found your channel I loved it so much that I quickly watched every episode. You should’ve seen my face when I realized I had one left 😮 Your quality, research, editing, and the overall experience of watching your videos completely captures my attention. Love it man, keep up the fantastic work!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@GandalfTheLysergic]

@@ItWasAShtShow of course brother! Can’t wait for the next one!😊

[@mrjikes60]

I love these films (the original 3 in particular) and had heard about the production 'challenges' of the first film, but didn't expect all of this! Wow. Thanks for the insight. It will make watching these masterpieces all the more enjoyable next time.

[@jameshunter9384]

Really enjoy your videos guys keep them up!

[@luminyam6145]

This is the first video I have ever watched of yours and my goodness, that was fantastic! Thank you.

[@kmetcalfe]

Damn!!! I thought I knew everything about this film, and found it interesting about how they pulled Liman's director's commentary off the 'extended explosive' version of the DVD that came out after the original DVD, and now understand that was likely because of things he said on it the studio didn't appreciate. Or feel was accurate.

[@just_some_random_guy]

So well done! And I love the lines of attribution you provide; such a rarity, and it gives your words so much more weight. As a former journalist, I applaud you! You've got a new subscriber :-)

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you! That means a lot. Just wanna make fun documentaries...

[@whatfffd]

The camera work and editing during the action scenes in Identity have not been surpassed to this day.

[@KutWrite]

A fun watch. Loved the clips you edited in to illustrate your points.

[@magnolia1984]

Just watched it again last night and your info is SO enlightening hahaha, thank you so much

[@bojokowski]

When you’re young, Hollywood shapes your persona. When you’re old, movies are unwatchable

[@crct2004]

Thanks for helping me not feel insane... so it's not just me.

[@wrldtrvlr4vr]

Bourne Identity was my favorite out of all of them. Great video! I learned so much in this episode.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulmdevenney]

The first film is one of my top 3 all time favourites. Amazing how much drama and chance went into some of my favourite scenes.

[@doubletee4391]

Thanks to everyone who fought through this to make the movie. Such an enjoyable film

[@RamblesBrambles]

another fantastic and hugely enjoyable and insightful video, keep up the great work

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you kindly!

[@RedStarRogue]

My brother read all the books and once had me read a bit of the first book to show how majorly different the movie was. I think the Jackal terrorist is a villain in one of the novels or something? Probably fair that the film went for the more realistic and grounded direction and not the pulpy shlock of the original stories.

[@samgunn12]

That was incredible. Excellent work, IWASS. 👍

[@ralphwiggum3134]

It's crazy how this movie had so many arguments in the pursuit of making a great movie, and it ended up being an incredible one. Contrast that to modern cinema where movie makers purposely make bad films, piss off it's fans and subsequently blame the fans for their failures. I miss great movies like this one. It's one of my all-time favorites.

[@TANG3RINE95]

Another banger oomfie (I have never met nor spoke with anyone even remotely involved with this channel).

[@ItWasAShtShow]

I’ll heart this comment even though I have never seen the word oomfie.

[@TANG3RINE95]

@@ItWasAShtShow ha ha thanks it's a cutesy way of saying twitter mutual (80% sure at any rate).

[@richard1313]

Identity is one of my favourite films and as with so many movies, its quality seems more by accident than design. Supremacy was good although I disliked the shaky-cam and hated that they killed Marie. Ultimatum is where it started to fall apart for me which was quite boring, with the exception of the fantastic Waterloo themes. I'm also obsessed with the soundtrack to the first 2 movies which was also ground-breaking and copied by so many spy shows since.

[@djgrumpygeezer1194]

The algorithm sent this my way. Great stuff. Love your use of “footnotes” to cite your sources.

[@flippert0]

Initially, I was confused what the intent of this show was, but it became clear very fast it contains top-notch background information and a deep appreciation for film makers and their craft.

[@Lurch150]

Very informative and entertaining, thank you. I had no idea The Bourne Identity was such a troubled production. They covered it up well because the movie looked smooth to me.

[@drxym]

The first Bourne was decent but it was the 2 successors directed Paul Greengrass that *really* showed how to do the series justice. I think Liman is a decent director though and Edge of Tomorrow is one of my favourite sci fi flicks.

[@Johnny_Socko]

I knew Greengrass had skills when I saw The Bourne Supremacy, and the shaky-cam did not make me dizzy. It's also my favorite Bourne, with the original being a close second. I thought "Ultimatum" made Bourne too much of a superhero -- which sort of went against the entire point of the movies IMO. Now knowing that Gilroy left and they brought in four other writers, I guess it's not so surprising.

[@NicholasMonks]

Respectful difference of taste here. I've seen the series at least three times, and I can recount the whole story of Identity, but to this day can't recall what happens in the Greengrass films...just a lot of dizzing camera work.

[@snoo333]

fantastic work up. thank you

[@alexpower9423]

This was a masterful edit - so so so well done! So funny. So many strong and funny references.

[@ElMalito187]

Before John Wick there was Jason Bourne.

[@brutustantheiii8477]

Who else thinks the thumbnail caption would make more than a half decent title for a legit Bourne Sequel

[@chris.shamblin]

I just found your channel the other day, and I absolutely love your videos. You do truly excellent work.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you very much! Glad you found us.

[@michaelcunningham3595]

just discovered your channel! love it! i now have something to binge today!!!!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Welcome!

[@Daniel__Nobre]

So I guess, if people behind movies did not let their egos and immaturity get in the way we would have more amazing collaborative works coming out of these studios..

[@shaunsteele6926]

it's still a great movie... can't believe it's over 20 years old now. In some ways I prefer it over the sequels.

[@titus2120]

Thank you for this. I have been a fan of these books and many there’s since the 1960’s. The grit and tech in this one was so fulfilling for me. And your commentary on the production ‘management’ challenges was gorgeous. I spent some years in the Studios and this was the way it was. And I am so glad I stumbled across your channel. You are a treasure.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Glad you found us!

[@md-ps2hx]

What an engrossing and well put together narrative on the background of the Bourne franchise!

[@brianshaker1885]

These are just amazeballs. You may put more effort into these than the actual movies you're covering. You can tell you care... and it shows. Much appreciated!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Thank you kindly!

[@SirGeeeO]

Tony Gilroy seems like an arrogant prick, but he made Andor, so he's a God in my eyes

[@fragout9575]

New subscriber! Great take on my 1st favorite series of movies!!!

[@sometimeclown5281]

OMG, Loved it!!! HUGE fan of the bourne books and films, soooooooo glad I came across your video! Subscribed!! 👍👍👍👍

[@CapitalFProductions]

I gotta hand it to Liman, who always seems to get knee deep into drama and danger yet still manages to pull through by the end (most of the time)

[@ronald8664]

take a shot every time he says Liman

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Please don’t. I don’t want to be held responsible.

[@AUM_-po9sc]

Alcohol poisoning, lessgo

[@globalfungiat44]

Great sh*t! I love the information you add about the movies and shows I watch delivered by your awesome hosts. I love the chemistry you all have! Thank you for the smiles and laughter!

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Glad you’re liking both the videos and the podcast!

[@InvertedFreeSolo]

This is fantastic. Amazing job, as usual. My favorite things on KZbin.

[@ItWasAShtShow]

Glad you're enjoy them!

[@InvertedFreeSolo]

Thank you for this content.