Now, I must admit right out of the gate that I have a bit of a man crush on George Clooney. I think that he has shown over the years that he has amazing range as an actor and director. When you think that his beginnings were in television on shows like "The Facts of life" it is impressive to see the resume that Clooney has been able to build over the years. He has shown an ability to play both the dramatic (Michael Clayton, Up in the Air), as well as, the comedic (Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Oceans 11). Where does "The American" fall into the progression of Clooney's career? I think that he showed in "The American" a longing, loneliness and vulnerability that has not been seen in previous films. Although he is playing the part of the ruthless assassin, one capable taking life without remorse there is also a sadness and weakness shown by Clooney. From the heavy sad eyes to the mild limp in his gate it is almost as if Clooney is weighed down by his own past.
That said, I think "The American" is lacking in some ways. I think that Anton Corbijn, directing only his second feature length film, is a little over his head with the material that he is dealing with. He relies heavily on symbolism and I don't think that it works completely throughout the film. The film also lacks a good pace, at times the action sequences don't seem to fit with the long slow camera shots that are used throughout.
Filmed primarily in the mountainous countryside of Northern Italy "The American" is a film about a single lonely assasin who wants out. Forced to flee from Sweden after being found by enemies, Clooney travel to Italy. While in Italy Clooney begrudgingly takes on one last job. He is hired to build a rifle for an assassination by another asassin. Needing some time to complete the job and longing for companionship Clooney takes comfort with a local prostitute, played well in the role by local Italian actress Violante Placido. What starts as a purely sexual relationship, slowly develops into a budding romance. As the romance develops Clooney longs to have more time with Placido. He is tired of running, he is ready for a relationship that doesn't require him to sleep with one eye open and a pistol in his hands. Not wanting to ruin the plot from there the film becomes a bit predictable and ends rather abruptly in a way that was completely expected.
Overall, this is a film that I would recommend, partly because of my Clooney man crush, but beyond that, I think that despite its flaws there are some really good things that this film has to offer. The cinematography is great throughout and I thought the Clooney and Placido had good on-screen chemistry.
By no means does this rank up toward the top of Clooney's body of work, but it is another example to me of the progression he has made as an actor. For that alone, it was worth it for me.
PDX Hack
