Review of The American (2010) by Roberto J — 29 Dec 2011

A richly textured character driven moody thriller about a world-weary master assassin, superbly played by George Clooney in a dynamically detailed performance he is constantly haunted and pervasively paranoid.

Clooney has vowed to make his next contract his last, so he hides out in a small italian town, while working for a mysterious client, he becomes romantically involved with a beautiful local prostitute, played nicely by Violante Piacido against his better judgement he also befriends an elderly priest, played by Paolo Bonacelli in a solid turn who breaks into his world of solitude putting him at great risk for now he is the marked man.

Fine direction by Anton Corbijn and good supporting performances by Thekia Reuten, Irina Bjorlund, Filippo Timi, and Anna Foglietta.The film is visually impressive thanks to the handsome photography by Martin Ruhe.

A smart grownup classy thriller which is a rarity these days. Highly Recommended.