THE AMERICAN (10/8), starring George Clooney as an assassin in hiding, had the pacing and dramatic style of a movie from the forties-in other words, very slow and deliberate and focused. While I found my mind wandering, waiting for a good car chase or a shootout, the movie’s chess-like pace forced me to pay closer attention to the characters as I waited for the plot to slowly resolve itself.
Directed by Anton Corbijn with an artsy, deliberate pace, the film explores Clooney’s assassin character as he hides in a quiet town in Italy following a shocking shooting that takes place before the opening credits. The assassin settles into town and befriends a priest and a prostitute while waiting to hear from his boss. Overall, a well-told story, but be ready to wait around an extra half-hour longer than necessary to find out who live–and who dies.
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.
Genre: Drama, Thriller Official Site: http://theamericanthemovie.com Director: Anton Corbijn Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli Writers: Rowan Joffe
