FILM REVIEW: THE AMERICAN
Review By Duncan McLeod
Cast:George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli
Director: Anton Corbijn
Synopsis: Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller. As an assassin, Jack (played by Mr. Clooney) is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.
Review:
This really is a thinking man’s action movie. It is very ‘adult’ in its delivery and assumes a lot of the audience by way of intelligence. There are long moments of silence in which the viewer is invited into the realm of Clooney’s character Jack (or Edward depending on who you ask). He is a calm, calculated character. The viewer is shown that he hasn’t lost his cold streak. Despite what his handler is telling us. What is evident though is his Achilles heel is women.
Jack is a lone wolf, and that’s an upgrade from a FANTASTIC MR. FOX. The character himself is not necessarily an oddball but certainly one who seems tailor made for Clooney. There are moments when the eye-candy abs come out to appease the swooning women and more than one very intimate sex scene to cater to the men who expected more of an action movie.
The whole piece had a very European feel about it. Like I AM LOVE it centred around a known Hollywood name but was distinctly Italian. This film was in part also an apology/gift for the people of Lake Como where Clooney resides. After the fuss that was made when he moved into the neighbourhood, he vowed to make a movie there and include all local talent to boost the local economy. So THE AMERICAN was born.
The local ensemble cast were very good. The Priest, played by Paolo Bonacelli and Irina Bjorklund were both talented supporting actors who added weight to the piece and were believable as a man of the cloth and a client with a secret (Bjorklund).
Jack’s love interest Clara (Violante Placido) is gorgeous at first. Then she is sweet. Then she is a temptress and lastly a devoted woman. Placido is captivating as Clara and with a bevy of European films under her belt, she will hopefully gain greater exposure in the English language film market as a result of this piece as she deserves it.
Martin Ruhe’s Cinematography is sumptuous. He worked with Corbijn on CONTROL and provided one of the few likeable elements of HARRY BROWN. He is certainly a talent behind the camera and used his ingredients to conjure up a visual feast.
Director Anton Corbijn has harnessed the talents of Clooney, the imagery of Italy and the hallmarks of the spy genre to deliver a classy book-to-movie adaptation that aims to shock more than soothe and couldn’t be further from a Hollywood blockbuster – but that’s not a problem at all for this reviewer.
Great film. Love the European feel.
Primate/Duncan,”This film was in part also an apology/gift for the people of Lake Como where Clooney resides. After the fuss that was made when he moved into the neighborhood, he vowed to make a movie there and include all local talent to b…oost the local economy. So THE AMERICAN was born.”— I did not know this history boss. I really don’t give a crap about what “most” people think about the movies I love.” At 35 years at this i’m way past that but I’m extremely flattered you saw in this gem what I saw. ((-;
It’s a European film, which is why I guess it may not be admired so much in the USA. After all, ‘most’ American films are designed for fifteen year old boys, and ‘most people’ there like McDonalds and Coke, and don’t like Trout with garlic and Pinot Grigio. Their opinion doesn’t make the Trout taste any less wonderful.
The American was admired in The State as well as in Europe. It’s foreign box office and reviews as compared to The States was the same. So don’t be so quick to make broad generalizations like that sir.
James you can’t say this film was aimed at 15 year old boys though. It was pitched at an adult audience and worked well domestically and internationally in that target market. It was not a Bourne film which has wider appeal and target’s the teen crowd . That’s what Martin means. It’s not a popcorn action flick its a niche film and Martin enjoyed it as did you.
Well I have not seen this one
yet but since it came out in september I will wait for dvd.
Definitely check it out Kyle. It will be good to get your opinion given your age and what generally appeals to your peers as per above discussion. Given you’re a film buff already your taste does extend beyond most of your peers I am sure and hence why you’re a valued member of the Primate Community.