Movie Review: The American

If you love a smart, quiet, intense crime drama over a loud and flashy steroid-fest, The American is the movie for you. Director Anton Corbijn uses beautiful cinematography and excellent acting from George Clooney to transport moviegoers to a wonderful Italian village.  He offers a view of the solitude and regret felt by Clooney's character, Jack. Clooney gives life to Jack who is nearing the end of his career as an ultra-professional killer and weapons expert. Jack's life has been lonely and filled with loss. He has had very few people he could trust and even fewer that he could love. His romantic life is mainly spent alone or with prostitutes. Unable to trust women, he becomes involved with a prostitute(Clara), played by a voluptuous Violante Placido. Their relationship is the closest thing to love Jack has had and it complicates his life. The final job Jack must complete is his toughest and most dangerous. His own life is on the line and he must take a leap of faith to decide to go away an marry Clara. Meanwhile Jack is conflicted with his life and his faith after making friends with a local priest.  The moments of dialog between Jack and Father Benedetto gives us a window into Jacks soul and all the demons he is dealing with.  The moments of action are exciting and well edited reminiscent of The Bourne Identity. But the slow, solid build-up to the action is intense and complimentary to strength of Clooney's acting.

The story begins in Switzerland and moves to Rome and finally Abruzzo.  Every shot of the snow covered hills or the sunset covered bridge or the mysterious medieval village is a work of art.  The soundtrack compliments every moment of the film and rarely overtakes the action or mood.  It's a class act, a perfect combination of breathtaking beauty and international intrigue.  The powers of perception that Jack is endowed are second only to this cloud that sits over his head.  The style and music play to that feel and amplify it perfectly.

The American has the best of both worlds for a couple's night viewing.  The women, of course, will love George Clooney, who offers a mature Sean Conneryesque look and appeal.  The romantic moments are rather lengthy and filled with steam and longing.  The guys will love the action and intrigue, as well as the technical finesse of Clooney's character.  His style is muted and dynamic at the same time.  Watching him create the perfect weapon for the job was as fun as watching him test it out.  The beautiful mountains of Abruzzo, and the medieval village will transport both to a romantic and magical location.  If you enjoy a smart and sexy crime dramaI recommend this movie to you.  I give this DVD two thumbs up and I am confident you will agree.