The American [DVD]

Based on the novel "A Very Private Gentleman" by Martin Booth, The American follows the story of Jack (George Clooney - Up In The Air) an assassin and weapon smith. After his cover is blown in Sweden, Jack flees to Italy and is sent to lie-low in the picturesque hill-top town of Castel Vecchio. Jack's paranoia means he is distrusting of his handler and relocates to the nearby Castel del Monte. Unused to foreigners in their midst, the locals dub him "The American" despite Jack's insistence he is here solely for the photographic panoramas the town affords. After befriending the local priest rather inadvertently, Jack begins to relax in his new surroundings until his handler gives him another job involving another assassin (the beautiful Thekla Reuten - In Bruges), will he take it? Or will he leave his old life behind for the seemingly fleeting happiness that Castel del Monte grants him?

A deep sense of menace sets into this film from the get-go and how could it not with an opening scene revealing some pretty telling issues about our protagonist despite only a handful of words being said. It is this sense of foreboding that carries this film in its slower parts and it's not without its lulls. However there is something of a wordless character development going on in the lulls as we see Jack is a rigorously methodical man, exercising religiously and the artisanal-like devotion he gives to his trade. His relationship with the handful of locals he befriends are all telling about some part of his psyche and helps us understand the type of man Jack is. For these reasons the American has become a fast-favourite of mine, the story is linear and progresses at a decent enough pace yet has is almost hypnotic in the way it unfurls. Clooney's performance is stellar, despite being low on dialogue; I was enthralled by the character. This is a modern-day story of the The samurai.

Having said all that, the simple linear premise and the serenity of this film can let your attention wander during the 1 hour and 45 minutes this plays out in, but if you are as captivated as I was by the initial scenes and frantic scrabbling trying to put the handful of jigsaw pieces you are given together in some sort of meaningful way you will be entertained. Short on dialogue but long on atmosphere, The American will divide its audience. All I can say is be patient and bear with it and you stand a good chance of enjoying a very arty tale!

I'm not a Clooney fan, I should say that from the start.

I saw this film on a plane and was gripped from the start. Minimalist film, moody, with some stunning females and really excellent photography.

Italy looked like the real thing, not a travelogue.

Characters were all believable, drama was high and often surprising, ending was unexpected, but then I like happy endings.

One of the best films of the moment, in my opinion, and I saw many of them on the long outbound and return flights.

Well recommended and I will buy it on Blu-Ray, if only for the imagery.

I can't really understand the average reviews given to this excellent film except that it isn't your typical Hollywood blockbuster I guess. The cinematography and timing of the shots as directed by Anton Corbijn are outstanding. They mirror the dark and intense character portrayed by Clooney, an assassin who has become disillusioned. Is he seeking redemption? The shots of the Italian countryside add to the dark beauty of this film which sits in contrast to the nature of murder. Violante Placido was new to me and it was worth watching just for her...but I may be biased. If you need loud explosions every 30 seconds to keep you entertained this is not for you. If you like subtle character development combined with intense and beautifully dark cinematography you will not be disappointed.