Film: The American
Cast includes: George Clooney (Up in the Air), Vioante Placido (Sleepless), Paolo Bonacelli (Jonny Stecchino)
Director: Anton Corbijn (One Night in Paris)
Genre: Suspense/Drama (2010)
In brief: Footprints in the snow say it all. Three dead bodies later, Jack needs a change of scenery. “Don’t make any friends, Jack. You used to know that,” his handler tells him. Jack’s new cover story is that he’s a photographer on a working vacation in Italy. Actually, Jack’s a professional assassin, but he’s thinking it’s time for a permanent career change. Hopefully, things will cool down in Sweden while Jack is keeping a low profile in Castel Del Monte, Italy. Jack’s handler has one last assignment that’s “a custom fit”… making a custom rifle for another professional in the organization. Hopefully, this will be Jack’s last assignment… low profile and little danger… or so it would seem.
Americans aren’t so common in this little town, and Jack’s not going out of his way to make friends. But nothing and no one escapes the attention of the local priest. And Father Benedetto has a thing for sheep… especially the lost ones. The father isn’t buying Jack’s cover story. He sees everything, including Jacks hands… “the hands of a craftsman… not the hands of an artist.” He knows Jack is a lost sheep and wants to bring him closer to God. “I don’t think God is very interested in me, Father.” But someone else obviously is interested Jack. “You’ve got a long list of enemies, Jack.” Even the beautiful Clara… is she an enemy or a lover… or both?
Much of the story revolves around the negotiations and making of the custom weapon. It’s Jack’s last assignment, and until it’s completed, delivered and paid for, Jack isn’t free to start his new life. This is a careful, quiet, methodical drama. It’s not the typical action-packed thriller we’re used to. There’s a constant sense of danger, but it’s quite low-key… for the most part. Without George Clooney, this enjoyable film would most likely go under the radar. Clooney is a throwback to the leading men of old Hollywood… one of the few who could singlehandedly turn an art-house film into a mainstream movie. In the list of characters, Italy takes the #2 spot. The scenery is breathtaking and the cinematography uses this character to her fullest potential. So it’s even more impactful when Father Benedetto questions Jack’s non-belief in God… “You cannot doubt the existence of hell. You live in it.” It’s Jack’s personal hell, and he’s hoping to escape it… but not with God’s help.
3 popped kernels
An intelligent, beautifully made drama... Clooney is excellent
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Neither upbeat nor somber
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
