Jason Bourne vs. James Bond: scene vs. scene

I was recently in an argument with a friend about Jason Bourne and James Bond. Many have had similar arguments in the past, and I’m sure more will come in the future. But I wanted to clarify why I felt Jason Bourne is better.

The best way to do this is to go to the movies of these characters themselves. Looking almost side by side we can evaluate which is best. The video is a selection of perhaps the best scenes explaining the 2 characters.



For Bourne we see a man that is always in control of his situation. Even when it spirals away from his goals. He does not get flustered. He is economical with his action, always oriented on his end-point. Every action is meant to build his advantage.

Bourne has the highly difficult task of evading detection, for himself and a novice, in one of the most visible spots on the planet. He has to think on his feet, and react without hesitation. He must protect himself and his target. And he has to do so without gaining attention.

James Bond, especially this incarnation, takes things to the other direction. He is brutish, and if he spares a thought at all it is to how he might kill just a few more people. There is no question that he draws attention. There is no question that everyone in a mile can see him distinctly. And there is no question as to what he is after.

Bond relies more on luck and gall than intelligence. The fact no one expects him to do what he does is more of the saving grace than the logic of his actions. It also seems likely that without the multitude of gadgets, luck, and support personnel, Bond would be dead with a quickness.

Now I do enjoy both movies. I am a fan of both characters. I would easily see a film about either at any time. But if I had to choose, Bourne wins out. Intellect always trumps brute force. Bond may have more explosions (which is never bad) but Bourne has more of a thrill.

That’s the way I see it. Do you agree?

[And yes I do know I truncated the Bond sequence. I had to make it fit for the video. Besides, 4 minutes of chasing a bad guy through crowds, buildings, a road, and an embassy is more than a bit boring the second time through.]