By Karl J. Paloucek
One of the great things about being an A-list movie personality is having the ability to pick your projects. And one of the best things about George Clooney is that he does, with relish. The Ocean’s series; Good Night, and Good Luck; Burn After Reading — the variety says a lot for Clooney’s ability and curiosity. This month, one of his more austere roles comes to the small screen with The American, directed by Anton Corbijn (Control).
In it, Clooney plays Jack (also posing as Edward), a hired assassin who’s been too long on the job. Pursued by other gunmen, he’s having to kill regularly just to stay alive, and it’s wearing him thin. Fleeing to Rome, he makes contact with his boss, who has lined up one more job for him — a simple one, involving no more than building a specialized rifle to specification and delivering it. Hiding out in a hill town in Abruzzo, Italy, Jack makes friends with a priest and falls in love with a harlot while measuredly carrying out his mission. But the tension builds, and Jack wonders if his life will ever be paranoia-free.
The American is based on the novel by Martin Booth, and if you’re thinking it’s an action thriller full of chases through narrow Italian streets, well, you’re not quite correct. This is a study in loneliness, purpose, paranoia and subtle intrigue, and Clooney plays it as coolly as he knows how. Jack is a man who has lived a life on the run and he’s tired of the chase, never allowing anyone to get too close to him for fear of his own life, but he’s the best at what he does. And when he begins to let Clara (Violante Placido) into his life, reluctantly but finally easing his guard down, it only magnifies the tension that has been building throughout the film.
Patience is a requirement with The American. Corbijn lets scene after scene pass with only the suggestion of something uncertain that you know is on its way. It’s an unnerving way to tell a story, but subtle, effective and, if not altogether new, it feels new, which might be the best compliment for any film in recent release.
“The American” is now showing on Video On Demand. Check your cable system for availability.
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© 2011 Universal Studios.