NEW YORK.- The Museum of Modern Art, in conjunction with the inaugural World Science Festival, presents a special program of screenings and a discussion focused on the Bourne trilogy of action thrillers. The Bourne Trilogy and An Evening with Doug Liman and James Schamus features screenings of The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2005), and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), all recently acquired from Universal Studios for MoMA’s collection. The program takes place May 29 through 31, 2008, in The Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters. On May 30, Doug Liman, producer/director of The Bourne Identity, and James Schamus, CEO of Focus Features, are joined by prominent neuroscientist Giulio Tononi to explore questions about brain function, memory, personality, and identity raised by the onscreen exploits of reluctant super-spy Jason Bourne. The exhibition is organized by Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film, The Museum of Modern Art.

The three Bourne films have breathed fresh life into the thriller genre and were box office and critical successes upon their release, creating a new anti-hero in Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. All three films share core themes of memory, personality, and identity—not to mention some remarkable action sequences. The films also utilize novel developments in sound design to convey non-visual information, with The Bourne Ultimatum winning three Oscars, including Best Achievement in Sound and Best Achievement in Sound Editing.

The World Science Festival is an annual weeklong program of events celebrating scientific discovery. The inaugural event takes place May 28 through June 1 at venues across New York City. Its mission is to cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. Further info: www.worldsciencefestival.com