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Is it worth $10? Yes
There’s a minimalist, quiet intensity to “The American,” a mood and atmosphere created by director Anton Corbijn to directly reflect the mental state of the main character, Jack. As played by George Clooney, Jack is a tormented figure who longs to feel a human connection again after years of work as an assassin, but finds trouble escaping his demons in this superb drama.
After an attempt on his life in Sweden, Jack ventures to a remote Italian village and befriends a local priest (Paolo Bonacelli). He also falls in love with a prostitute (Violante Placido), but is so paranoid someone is trying to kill him he has trouble trusting her. Just one last job and he’s out, his handler (Johan Leysen) tells him, but Jack knows nothing is that easy. The job? Making a gun for Mathilde (Thekla Reuten), whose appearance changes each time we see her. That can’t be comforting.
A lot happens in the film, but the pace is methodical (and to some, no doubt it will feel slow). This is an intense character study of a man so mentally scarred by his profession he is completely disconnected from real emotion. As this storyline merges with Jack’s aforementioned paranoia, he becomes a multi-dimensional character who fears losing his grip on life as he simultaneously learns how to live again.
Clooney’s performance is hardened, restrained and the best of his career. We like Jack and sympathize with him, but Clooney’s trademark charm and likeability are nowhere to be found. Jack’s hands are often in his pockets, and we often see him alone, walking, head down and trying not to be seen. Clooney’s acting isn’t about showing off – it’s what he doesn’t show that says everything.
Aside from Clooney the production is European in every way: Cast and crew, locations, and in terms of style and execution. European cinema is in some regards a direct contrast to American cinema: As a general rule, American audiences get more violence and action, and European audiences favor more drama and nudity. To wit, the action is scarce, there’s plenty of nudity and there’s not much dialogue, which allows much of the story to be told visually.
“The American” may be a challenge for stateside audiences, but it’s a challenge movie lovers would be wise to embrace.
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Kristina L
said:
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... I still want to give this movie a shot, but I'm weary. I'm always a fan of George Clooney and I've watched a few foreign movies for the more european feel not to bother me as much. |
Andy
said:
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... This movie was terrible and several people walked out of the theater i was in. The trailer is much better than the film. This movie just never picked up steam & you'll find yourself getting frustrated with it's snail pace that ultimately leads to nothing. All of the dialogue & action are in the commercials. Save yourself $9 because you'll only be mad a youself after walking out of the theater |
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