Looking a for a movie to match the high dollar fanfare of a typical Hollywood blockbuster? Looking for a flick that combines big dollar special effects with a can't miss star-studded cast? Keep looking. It's probably not The American. However, if you want an interesting plot that is well acted all around and anchored by a four-time Oscar nominee, give it a shot.
There is a reason this flick isn't getting a lot of pub from Hollywood's marketing circles. It's not at all mainstream. Don't get me wrong, this is a good flick, however, its tone and mood set the perfect stage for an artsy thriller. Well, maybe 'thriller' is a bit much, but The American has an interesting plot that grabs you and holds one's attention for the most part...presuming you're not to ADHD. That solid storyline and a good performance from George Clooney pushes this movie into the 3-Star column in my book.
It's the tale of a man named Jack (Clooney). Jack is cold, distant and calculating. He's not a bad guy, but he's probably not going to anchor your Christmas card list either. We don't really know what Jack does for a living, but we know he's not going to be found taking junior's scout troop to the woods to get their congeniality badges. No, he's a killer, who seems to be tired of the paranoia that comes with the job and that job has caught up with him. So, he shuttles from Sweden to Italy and settles in for yet another job. This one involves making a weapon for a presumed assassination. He gets his specs and sets to the task of making this rifle. In the meantime, Jack becomes quite acquainted with Clara, a hooker to whom he takes a distant liking. I say 'distant' because Jack seems to be more than just your typical emotionally constipated male. He's damned up a ton of feelings in the wake of doing whatever it is that he does. At any rate, the two grow closer as Jack works toward his goal and yadayadayada and a few deaths later, we have another solid Clooney flick.
It's an interesting story that moves slowly at times over the course of its 1:45 running time, but anchors the overall experience. The acting is good, but Clooney is the only face or name that is noteworthy; and its mood had me swearing that I was watching a foreign flick, which, for all intents and purposes, I was.
Big screen or Blu-Ray? Good question. I liked it, but I like a lot of foreign movies and can certainly deal with an artsy flick every now and again. If that is your schtick, catch it now. If not, wait for the rental or forget it altogether.
Well, no yard work this weekend...I'm soaking in football and tailgating while firing up the grill for the rest of the Holiday festivities. Enjoy your Labor Day!
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