Boise News

Hollywood close to home

Matt Damon, Frank Marshall Introduce ‘Bourne’ Movie in Boise

By J. Gelband, 7-29-07

Matt Damon and his BFF in Boise, J. Gelband, in 2004.

The last time Frank Marshall made a public appearance in Boise, he threw his arms in the air and asked, “What am I, chopped liver?” as reporters lining a makeshift red carpet began to put away their voice recorders and leave the scene.

The Hollywood producer was in town in July 2004 to promote his flick “The Bourne Supremacy” that starred Matt Damon, who garnered all the media attention that evening.

Damon had arrived first to walk the press line and reporters got their stories. Marshall should have come out before the actor if he wanted some ink.

The a-typical news story flustered everyone – both reporters and local fans trying to crawl under the velvet rope. It’s not often that a celebrity makes the rounds in Downtown Boise (aside from the regular Bruce Willis sightings), and it’s not often that Boise plays host to an advance screening of a major motion picture.

Well, that was three years ago, and now Damon and Marshall are back in town to introduce a screening of “The Bourne Ultimatum,” the third installment of the thrilling spy movie series. The $40 tickets will benefit Boise Contemporary Theater.

On Monday evening, locals will line the street outside of the Egyptian Theater to catch a glimpse of Mr. Good Will Hunting himself.

Sure, he’s handsome, has a great smile and won an Oscar, but it’s really Marshall who is calling the shots and providing Boise with this unique benefit show. No wonder he felt like minced meat when the reporters ignored him last time.

Marshall’s practically an Idahoan; has been visiting the state regularly for the last 30-plus years – he’s got friends here, he’s got associates, and he knows that it’s a great town. “It’s fresh and everybody loves it,” he said of Boise last time.

Everybody including Damon. “I love it here!” he confirmed.

And everybody here loves them, too. And don’t worry, Frank; no one will ignore you this time, as long as you’re the first on the scene.

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