FAQ for
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The following FAQ entries may contain spoilers. Only the biggest ones (if any) will be covered with spoiler tags. Spoiler tags are used sparingly in order to make the page more readable.

For detailed information about the amounts and types of (a) sex and nudity, (b) violence and gore, (c) profanity, (d) alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and (e) frightening and intense scenes in this movie, consult the IMDb Parents Guide for this movie. The Parents Guide for The Bourne Ultimatum can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0440963/parentalguide.

Yes. The Bourne Ultimatum is a 1991 novel by American author Robert Ludlum [1927-2001]. It was adapted for the screen by writers Tony Gilroy, Scott Z. Burns, and George Nolfi. The Bourne Ultimatum is the third in a series of three movies, preceded by The Bourne Identity (2002) and The Bourne Supremacy (2004).

The reason can be traced back to the first film. Doug Liman, director of The Bourne Identity (2002), decided to deviate from the original plot of the first novel in order to update the story to fit an early 21st century, post-9/11 setting instead of the post-Vietnam War setting of the novels. This had an effect on the next two movies, which had to be consistent with the one(s) before, not necessarily with Ludlum's books. In addition, the main antagonist of the novel was the real-life figure,Carlos the Jackal, who was at large when The Bourne Identity was written in 1980, but eventually captured in 1994 and thus his presence would not fit the new setting.

It is "Weapons of Mass Distortion" by The Crystal Method from their album "Legion of Boom," previously heard in the finale of Blade: Trinity (2004).

A romantic relationship could be implied by Nicky's willingness to help Bourne escape and by her vague and somewhat nervous statement to Bourne that "it was difficult for me with you," a possible allusion to a prior relationship that Bourne says he does not recall.

The following timeline was established using only what was seen in the film, nothing was used from commentaries or outside sources. There were very few scenes where an actual date was shown or discussed, so many of the dates are approximate.

1939: Albert Hirsch is born on September 1st

1968: Albert Hirsch earns his Ph.D. at Stanford

1970: David Webb is born on September 13th

1999: Treadstone begins with the induction of David Webb on June 1st

2002: Jason Bourne attempts to assassinate Wombosi (possibly in late November or early December)

2002: Bourne spends two weeks recovering aboard a fishing boat

2002: Bourne meets Marie (Christmas lights and presents show up sporadically, so it may only be mid December)

2002: Treadstone is shut down and Blackbriar takes its place either at the end of 2002 or more than likely the beginning of 2003.

2003: Bourne is reunited with Marie in Italy at her scooter rental store (the growth of Marie's hair leads us to believe at least a few months have gone by since we last saw her)

2004: Marie is assassinated, most likely in mid to late November

2004: Bourne visits with Irena Neski and apologizes for killing her parents (the last week of November, no means to determine the 'exact' date)

2005: Maxwell Hart (US Citizen) is assassinated by Blackbriar on January 3rd

2005: Bourne and Nicky meet in Daniels' office on January 10th per the daily wall calendar

2005: Jason Bourne is shot and the movie ends. Most likely on January 11th or 12th

"Extreme Ways (Bourne's Ultimatum)" by Moby, which has been used in the end credits for all the Bourne films. This version at the end of Ultimatum is a remix.

As of February 15th 2008, The Bourne Ultimatum has a 93% rating on the Tomatometer at RottenTomatoes.com.

"If I don't care what Jason Bourne's real name is, and believe me, I sincerely do not, then I enjoy the movies simply for what they are: skillful exercises in high-tech effects and stunt work." -- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

If they could bottle what gives The Bourne Ultimatum its rush, it would probably be illegal. -- Todd McCarthy, Variety

"The Bourne Ultimatum, the third in the movie trilogy loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novels, is superior to its immediate predecessor but not quite as good as the original. The action is this movie is top-notch (despite the spastic camera)--full of suspense and kinetic energy--but the film doesn't have as much heart or emotional depth as The Bourne Identity." -- James Berardinelli, ReelViews