DVD Reviews

The American - Blu-ray Review

By Jeff Swindoll Dec 31, 2010, 13:15 GMT

Academy Award® winner George Clooney is The American in this sexy suspense thriller from director Anton Corbijn. After a job ends more violently than expected, Jack (Clooney) retreats to the Italian countryside and accepts one last assignment to construct a deadly weapon for a mysterious contact. But when he pursues a relationship with a beautiful local woman, he may be tempting fate by stepping out of the shadows. Jack soon ...more

George Clooney stars as an assassin in hiding. Contrary to the trailer, this is not a Bourne type thrill ride, but more of a slow burn about the pitfalls of such a profession. If you can put that miss-sell aside, you will find a well-acted film.

Jack (George Clooney) is an assassin on the run from rival assassins. He ends up in Rome and contacts Pavel (Johan Leysen) who sends him to a remote Italian village.

Jack goes to an adjacent village instead, poses as a photographer named Edward, and meets elderly priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) - who sees the darkness in this new stranger and tries to get “Edward” to confess his troubles.

Edward goes about trying to lay low as well as becoming a patron of prostitute Clara (Violante Placido), who he also starts seeing outside of the brothel. Pavel eventually calls him with an assignment in building a high-powered rifle for Mathilde (Thekla Reuten), but he considers this assignment his final one.

Jack begins to suspect that his hiding place is compromised and Clara may be the one responsible.

The American may be a victim of its promotion as memory tells me that the trailer made it look like a Bourne-type international thriller. However, the film that you get is a thoughtful (some would say slow) look into the field of assassination and the pitfalls of being one.

The film is more an actor’s showcase than the usual thriller where the lead just has to use his charisma to beat up the baddies and save the world. Clooney has a certain world weary quality as well as being conflicted by his inherent paranoia of his chosen profession. Sure, there are several asses that need kicking or killing, but they’re few and far between.

Instead, we focus on the relationships that happen while he’s hiding out in the village. Father Benedetto seems to sense that something is wrong with the soul of this new face and wants to offer his leadership, even if the elderly priest is not without sin himself.

Jack starts to take the services of the fetching hooker Clara for pleasure at first, but a relationship begins to develop that transcends the business-like beginnings. The feeling is mutual as Clara starts to see Jack as more than the usual “John.”

Unfortunately for the flawed Jack, happy endings are not in the cards due to the dangers associated with his chosen profession.

The American is a well acted film all around and has a European flavor in that the obvious Hollywood path is not taken. That being said, those expecting that well worn path will come away scratching their heads.

The American is presented in a 1080p high definition transfer (2.35:1). Special features are presented in high definition and include a commentary from director Anton Corbijn, the 11 minute making of “Journey to Redemption,” and 6 minutes of deleted scenes. The case also contains instructions and a code to download your digital copy.

The American is not for all tastes, especially if you’re thinking of Bond or Bourne, but those filmistas that venture into it will find a well acted character study. Well worth a look if you’re looking for a thoughtful study.