The American

fatchowmein

Apologies if this has already been reviewed. I looked but didn't find any ("American" in thread body and "American" in a title search).

Old(er) assassin wants more out of life and decides he wants out but it seems there's always a woman complicating matters. Trust issues and some paranoia and we have the making of the typical assassin flick. Does this one add anything to the genre? Nope.

I really wanted to like this movie. I understand the slow pace and spartan shots are there to create the lone gun atmosphere. I get the constant scanning and surveying with the eyes. In the end, besides some lovely shots of Italy and of Violante Placido, I'd rather rewatch, "Up in the Air".

Definitely a rental (very little replay value). It's not bad. It's just not that great. I much prefer "In Bruges" but that one had some light hearted comedic elements whereas "The American" is all drama. Very little action. Look elsewhere if you want to see fight scenes in slo-mo.

PrazVT

I agree with what you're saying about the spartan shots creating a 'lone gun' atmosphere. I liked the movie, but you're right, it's not wall to wall action or anything. And what is up with Clooney and these unsatisfying endings!? I think 'Up In The Air' just made me depressed lol.

mrbigbluelight

Watched this movie a couple of days ago. Actually got on here and also searched for "The American" and "Clooney". Was going to post a mini-review of sorts.

But then the thought came to me, no, just don't say anything, and hope nobody notices, that nobody is attracted by this potential danger ( sort of like NASA's attitude towards near-miss asteroids).

But you can't be faulted fatchowmein for bringing this potential danger to light; you are, IMO, much too kind towards this movie.

If one is temtped to rent this movie, by all means do so, but I may suggest the following procedure:

1. Go to Blockbuster/Redbox, etc and rent "The American"
(I'm sure there will be copies available)
2. Take the DVD home.
3. Put the DVD (in its case) on the coffee table.
4. Go out to the garage. Get the gas can.
6. Disconnect your DVD player.
7. Take DVD player to the back yard.
8. Pour entire contents of gas can on DVD player.
9. Light gas.
10. Go back into the house, and stare at the wall for 105 minutes.
11. Return the movie to Blockbuster/Redbox. Take a dump in their Pickup Box.

That is, IMO, the only way to enjoy this movie.
ENTIRE PLANETS could travel unimpeded in the holes in this movie.

The ONLY saving grace: several nice scenes with "actresses".
For example, Thekla Reuten:

But trust me: it just isn't worth it.

Other than that, it's a fine movie !

obieone

George Clooney can't act. Period.
I honestly don't know who has LESS range: Clooney, or Caruso?!

Roy Munson

Clooney has made one terrible movie after another for a long time and it's a wonder to me how in the hell he's able to continue to rake in the millions with the crap he puts out.

I haven't seen The American and I don't plan on it.

What's that old saying.."fool me once....."

What do these movies have in common?

The American

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Up in the Air

Burn After Reading

Leatherheads

Michael Clayton

Intolerable Cruelty

Just to name a few. lol

obieone

George Clooney= "America is evil" movie.

hoosier21

very bad movie

Hardtail67

You guys are crazy! I loved this movie. This thing oozed 70's cool. I could see Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, or James Coburn playing this roll. Granted all three would do a better job than Clooney, but I thought this was one of his better roles.

I guess if your tastes run more toward the Transporter series maybe this kind of flick is not for you.

vc69

I liked "The American". Not bad and worth the time. It didn't blow my socks off or anything. Michael Clayton is a really good flick IMO.