Review of The American (2010) by Paul S — 13 Aug 2011

There was a specific type of film - typical of British filmmaking in the 60's where you, as viewer, were seemingly dropped into the film; letting you decipher the characters and their motivations only as the film progressed. The American is that type of film, and being that type of film I can't speak to the who's and what's without revealing things which are better left for the viewer to discover on your own.

So that leaves me talking about style and film craft, all of which are first rate here. The imagery is stark, as befitting the film's content, and it admirably wallows in a rather deliberate pacing, which amps up the feeling of paranoia. There are glimpses of beauty, but they seem almost distant and surreal - just out of reach, which makes perfect sense when combined with the story line.

The use of sound - or should I say the lack of it - is well used, juxtaposing silence with the bustle of a busy street or the crack of a gunshot; as is the use of angles and lighting, especially in the narrow almost Escher like streets and alleys of Castel De Monte where most of the action takes place.

At the heart of the film and carrying most of the heavy lifting is George Clooney, who, as usual is up to the task, while the virtual unknowns in the supporting roles do a fine job as well, especially the all too carnal and secular village priest.

While I viewed the film's ending I felt a bit of a let down, but upon reflection, it fit perfectly with the tone of the film - showing us a man who steps outside his strict code of conduct and dares to become more than who he appears to be - reaching for something that will feed his mind, heart and soul.

If you were expecting gunfights every two minutes, this film may well disappoint you, but as a character study and a mystery, this works very, very well.