The first step in evaluating the problem is to determine how far the character actually jumped.

The axes are defines as follows; the x-axis spans the distance between the two buildings, is
parallel to the ground, and positive in the direction of motion. The y axis is perpendicular to the
ground, and positive away from the ground. The motion is two dimensional, so a z-axis is not
used. Figure 1 illustrates this set-up.
The camera angle is well below y=0, so the angle of the jump with respect to the x-axis is
distorted. However, this is circumvented by the assumption that the character jumps at a 45
degree angle for maximum range. Using the average height of an American male over 20yrs old
as 69.4in
[1]
, an angle of 45 degrees, and a screen shot from the movie (see Figure 1), the distance
between the two buildings can be estimated.
The screen shot shows Bourne at the moment before his foot leaves the railing. The distance
from his foot to his head, plus the length of his forearm, appears to be approximately halfway
across the gap between the buildings. The length of the forearm from elbow to middle finger tip
is archaically defined a one cubit
[2]
, which converts to 1.5 feet. Using this, and his estimated
height of 59.4 as the hypotenuse of a 45 degree triangle, the width of the gap is modelled in the
equation below:


Figure 1; Screenshot, axes of the problem, and assumed angle of takeoff


.
Thus far, the angle of takeoff and gap distance have been established. Next, the minimum
velocity at which he had to jump will be determined. Using the horizontal range equation below,
and the values calculated above, his minimum speed at takeoff is calculated.

Assuming the force exerted by pushing off the railing with his leg was sufficient to change the
direction of his speed to 45 degrees from horizontal, if not add to his speed, 4.96 min/mi is also
his horizontal speed just prior to taking off. Given that the fastest time on record for a 100m dash
is 9.58 seconds or 2.57 min/mi
[3]
, this speed is achievable, especially for a very short sprint.
In conclusion, the jump in the movie was attainable.



[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cubit
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr010.pdf
[3] http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/100-metres/outdoor/men/senior