DVD Reviews

The American

• Rating:
• Director: Anton Corbijn
• Starring: Bruce Altman
• Details: US/103mins 15A

George Clooney's latest foray into the realm of the offbeat continues his recent trend of choosing divisive roles. The American moves slowly, and for large parts of its running time doesn't have any dialogue - just the most charismatic actor of his generation living a lonely existence as a hired killer. It's hard to put this film in any kind of box such is its ambiguity, but if the languid pace pulls you in, then you're likely to find this an utterly engrossing watch.
Clooney is an enigmatic American assassin hiding out in a small Italian village after a hit. When his handler tells him that there's one last job available - in which he doesn't even need to pull the trigger - he bides his time by patiently building a weapon, working out, and breaking his own rules by making a connection with a couple of locals. Yet he can't help constantly looking over his shoulder, as he begins to suspect that he himself may be a target.
Of all Clooney's films, The American is probably closest in tone to one of his most underrated efforts, Solaris. The camera constantly rests on his aging face, showing a man with endless regret and inner torment. Yet, save for a couple of flashbacks, none of this is spoon-fed to the audience; Clooney's wonderfully subtle performance is left to do the majority of the work. His choices of roles have always been brave, but here, he's headlining something that he knows will split his audience. In addition, The American's marketing (showing a movie star-led action thriller) is misleading, and will only frustrate those who go looking for an expansion on that premise.
Anton Corbijn obviously has a remarkable eye for a shot, and his second film as director is full of gorgeous cinematography complemented by a moody but invasive score. Yet the plot doesn't offer anything new, and the lonely hitman schtick has been done to death; some may also find the slow-moving pace frustrating, particularly as it doesn't really lead anywhere. There is no huge payoff, and there is very little in the way of shootouts – so be warned.
What we have here is essentially arthouse cinema delivered on a larger scale, by an assured director with a very clear vision and bags of style. It challenges the audience, lets them draw their own conclusions, and offers another brilliant turn from George Clooney. Never less than interesting viewing, The American is generally impressive stuff.

Review by Mike Sheridan