Artsy Assassins and Subtle Substance - THE AMERICAN

THE AMERICAN 

2010 - 105 minutes - Crime/Drama/Thriller
Director: Anton Corbijn 
Country: United States
IMDB: 6.3
Metacritic: 61
RT: 66%

EpicEnthusiast's Rating: 9/10

Watch this movie if you enjoy: 

• crime/assassins

• visually appealing films

• real-life sets/Italian landscape 

• George Clooney

Avoid this movie if you dislike: 

• violence

• nudity

• slow pacing 

• Italian language 

Anton Corbijn's The American has received some mixed reviews, and my score certainly contrasts the numbers from IMDB, Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes. What I'll say is the film is very much dependent on how the viewer perceives it, as well as how patient they are. 

The story revolves around an American assassin, Jack/Edward, who is forced to hide out in rural Italy after an ambush of Swedish counterparts. He's near the end of his career, and ultimately requests to get out of the game by the end of the film. In the seemingly quaint and quiet town of Castel De Monte, basic human desires end up getting Jack into trouble. 

Perhaps the lone aspect of the film that can't be debated is its visual presence. In both its production and its physical setting, The American is beautiful. Corbijn is an avid photographer, and his perspective proved extremely beneficial. He takes us through breathtaking parts of Sweden and Italy, and gives 

The primary setting of The American, Castel De Monte, Italy

us engaging shots of the characters and their surroundings. It felt european in its style, and captured a unique Italian culture. Some critics have called it pretentious or meaningless, but I didn't see any lack of purpose, and felt engrossed in the atmosphere throughout. It's one thing to shoot something in a certain way for the sake of doing it, but if it helps establish a setting and/or gives the audience an unexpected angle, I usually won't have an issue with it. A lot of those type of shots were featured in Corbijn's film,
and if nothing else, it was pleasing to look at. Not to mention George Clooney's face, which is attractive in any setting. 

George Clooney in The American

Speaking of Clooney, his performance is dominant, and worth noting. He's known for more comedic roles, but has proved capable of serious ones too with films like Michael Clayton, Syriana, and now The American. Here, his character is static and doesn't say much, but his actions and expressions are what develops him. He does a great job of portraying a killing expert, along with an aging man that's seeking a settled, honest life. Despite the lack of humor, the role seemed fitting for Clooney. He's on camera for much of the film, and is compelling without words. Following him through the rustic town may not be overly eventful, but it's thrilling nontheless. Something about George outfitted in black leather jackets, tattoos, and expensive watches just works. It's definitely his movie, and the kind that wouldn't be half of what it is without its lead actor. 

My main disagreement with the some of the critics regarding The American deals with its overall substance or storyline. I've read a lot saying the plot lacks purpose or explanation, but it's all perfectly clear to me. If you've yet to see the film, you may not want to read this portion until you have. 

The opening scene of the film depicts a content life from Jack. He's living out in the wilderness with his presumed girlfriend, and is enjoying a leave of absence from the assassinating business. When he's attacked and forced to kill her, it's the ultimate realization: He wants out for good. If he makes a friend, they end up getting killed. If he's not careful enough, someone is right around the corner ready to kill him. He's haunted by what happened, and just wants to move on. When he falls for Clara in Italy, he's close. They develop a connection and he's ready to complete his last job, and move away with her. He manages to intentionally alter a rifle and kill his hunter, only to be shot by his boss before he meets her back at the river. When he met Clara in town and told her to retreat to the river, you could see it on his face: jubilation, anticipation and relief. He sensed the start of a new life. One without blood, guns or looking over his shoulder. 

That's what I think Corbijn, Clooney and company did a fantastic job of depicting. A man striving for something he really didn't deserve, and coming up just short. His drive to the river says it all. He knows his fate, and hits the steering wheel in frustration and anger because ultimately, he regrets the life he lived. Again, it really depends on how its viewed, but that entire premise is enough for a strong story in my opinion. 

George Clooney and Violante Placido in The American 

To conclude, The American is a mature and intelligent film that demands patience, but rewards its viewers with aesthetics. It's artsy and eurocentric in style, but also features a meaningful storyline if you know where to look. A must see for George Clooney fans, as well as fans of film in general. 

- EE

As of November 26, 2013, The American is available for instant streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer here: