There was a time when a good action film could score a best picture nomination. Raiders of the Lost Ark got one, as did The Fugitive. But those days are seemingly over, because few action films deserve that honor as much as The Bourne Ultimatum. Until recently, this was my favorite film of the year. When most action films are busy one-upping each other with unbelievable stunts, Bourne thrives on believable action, done better than anyone else. The fights are fast, the chases frantic, all served by dynamic editing and cinematography. Credit goes to Paul Greengrass, a director quickly earning a reputation as a master auteur who's work is must-see. Matt Damon is today's great action star (nobody saw that coming 10 years ago) and the film is filled with great supporting acting from Joan Allen, David Strathairm, Julia Stiles, Scott Glenn and Albert Finney. This film is a lock for the Best Editing Oscar and is a strong contender for the Sound and Sound Editing awards. I couldn't give anyone a better example of what a good, smart action film should be (the Bond series should take a hint) then The Bourne Ultimatum, one of my top 5 films of the year.
The Sneaky Cheetah's Grade: A
This is editor Christopher Rouse's second Oscar nomination. He was nominated last year (and should have won) for United 93.
The sound team is lead by Scott Milan, who's got three Oscars on his mantle for Apollo 13 (1995), Gladiator (2000) and Ray (2005). He was also nominated for Schindler's Lint (1993), Braveheart (1995), and Road to Perdition (2002). David Parker got an Oscar for The English Patient (1996) and was nominated for Never Cry Wolf (1983) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). Kirk Francis was nominated in 1997 for L.A. Confidential.
This is the first nomination for Sound Editor Karen M. Baker but co-nominee Per Halberg won for Braveheart (1995) and was nominated for Face/Off (1997)
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