07/02/2012 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

The American review

Jack (George Clooney) is a skilled gunsmith who was given a task to create a gun for Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). He becomes close with a prostitute named Clara (Violante Placido). The spectacular cinematography is probably from the experience of the director in photography and creating music videos (for U2, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, etc.). It felt like watching an action silent film with less fight scenes with meticulous direction. It was very rare to see Clooney in a straightforward and reserved character much like Leon. He did a decent job with the character. Score was applicable with the pictures pace and mystery of the lead. If only it had more story, action and an upbeat conclusion. The American is a well-crafted flick of transformation, love, trust and cautiousness.

Rating of
3/4 

04/25/2012 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

"The American" by Yojimbo

A weapon smith specializing in custom rifles for assassination purposes falls for a beautiful Italian prostitute despite his extreme trust issues. The American is very much a thriller from the old school; it has a very 70s, continental vibe that reminded me a little of The Day Of The Jackal as the low key, almost laid back approach is a million miles away from the wobbly-cam and SFX orientated efforts of the ADHD generation. It is far more reliant on mood and characterisation and as such finds a perfect central performance from the ever reliable Clooney who can always be trusted to invest his time in projects of quality. His tentative relationship with Violante Placido side steps the usual saccharine of contrived cinematic romances and the story feels measured and honest without ever reso...

Rating of
3/4 

02/15/2011 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

The American, a modern classic

Slight spoilers - The film was marketed as a Bourne/Bond style action film, which, in reality is not the case. It is however, a very well acted and intelligent throwback to 70's assassin drama's. It does maintain a slow pace for most of the film, but that is apart of what makes it a nostalgic, modern masterpiece. Society today is so used to movies being so fast pace, with less story, that when something this well structured comes along, they don't know how to view it. This film has beautiful cinematography, brilliant shots of the landscape, and a darkness to it, where all the characters fall into an old style world of intrigue. It's essentially about an American assassin, who is pursued by other assassins, who hides out in Italy, awaiting to perform one last job. If you have seen some of ...

Rating of
3.5/4