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The American

Name: The American
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: September 1, 2010
Duration: 105 min
Rating: 61
Cast: George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido

2010

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 253 Ratings

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6.9

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6.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 253 Ratings

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The American

Movie Details & Credits

Focus Entertainment | Release Date: September 1, 2010 | R

Starring: George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido

Summary: As an assassin, Jack is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for aAs an assassin, Jack is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde. Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara. Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate. [Focus Features]… Expand

Director: Anton Corbijn

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 105 min

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Awards & Rankings

46	#46 Most Discussed Movie of 2010

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Roger Ebert

Here is a gripping film with the focus of a Japanese drama, an impenetrable character to equal Alain Delon's in "Le Samourai," by Jean-Pierre Melville. Read full review

Slate Dana Stevens

If you're willing to let go of your Hollywood-bred expectations for a movie of this type-spectacular action set pieces, constant pulse-pounding music, a killing every 15 minutes-The American is a great pleasure to watch, an astringent antidote to the loud, frantic action movies that have been clogging our veins all summer. Read full review

ReelViews James Berardinelli

Anyone who understands what The American offers should come away pleased with the final product. Read full review

Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips

The movie is a paradox. It's ostentatiously restrained. You cannot say Corbijn lacks rigor. You can, however, say that when a talented director's approach too precisely mirrors the tightly calibrated performance strategy of his leading player, a movie risks stalling out completely. Read full review

Time Out Joshua Rothkopf

The film's mood is so somber and minimal, it might be confused for deep. Had the plot (meager and one-last-job-predictable) zipped along, that wouldn't feel like such a problem. Read full review

Charlotte Observer Lawrence Toppman

A slow, grim, atmospheric but virtually plotless look at a blank-faced loner who is obsessed with his work, has no friends except for one woman inexplicably attached to him, and ends up making those around him miserable. Read full review

New York Post Kyle Smith

A pretentious Euro-snore that should occasion a fraud prosecution for any marketer who calls it a thriller -- and which stars an actor who seems to wish his name were Jorg Clooné. Read full review

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User Reviews

Filmrad

Sep 23, 2010

This is a wonderfully executed example of an intelligent and thought provoking character study. Once again, George Clooney is a class act with the guts to choose a great project that, sadly, most people will be too over-stimulated by today's mindless movies to truly appreciate. The film isThis is a wonderfully executed example of an intelligent and thought provoking character study. Once again, George Clooney is a class act with the guts to choose a great project that, sadly, most people will be too over-stimulated by today's mindless movies to truly appreciate. The film is highly engaging. Riveting, in fact, if you're not looking for the typical shoot 'em up action picture. If you're willing to get under the skin of The American, and really feel this guy's harsh reality, it's even shocking, not to mention heart-breaking, at times, and certainly a more realistic look at the life of an assassin than anything that's come out in a long time. Congrats to all involved in the making of the wonderful picture. Great job!!!… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

SecretAgentGal

Sep 19, 2010

In The American, George Clooney plays an assassin on a mission in Italy. With the intensity of Jason Bourne, he delivers an artful, exacting performance. This film is a fascinating addition to Clooney's work, but don't expect the dark humor he's known for in The Men Who Stare at Goats or OIn The American, George Clooney plays an assassin on a mission in Italy. With the intensity of Jason Bourne, he delivers an artful, exacting performance. This film is a fascinating addition to Clooney's work, but don't expect the dark humor he's known for in The Men Who Stare at Goats or O Brother, Where Art Thou? He's dashing but dead serious. There's no Daniel Ocean here.

The American is an arty film adapted from the novel A Very Private Gentleman. Its scenes and close-ups are beautifully composed, like paintings. Cinematographer Martin Ruhe venerates the beauty and culture of Italy even as Jack (aka Edward Butterfly) carries out his dirty, murderous mission.

But Butterfly's preparation is anything but dirty. Over a month he builds a gun and silencer with Zen-like discipline and concentration. With very little dialogue, Clooney keeps viewers fascinated with fastidious rituals (push-ups, chin-ups and daily coffee at a cafe).

Violante Placido (the daughter of Simoneta Stefanelli, the actress who played Al Pacino's Sicilian wife in The Godfather), delivers a classy performance as Clara, a prostitute who becomes Edward's love interest. It is Placido who brings zest for life to the film. Her bedroom scenes with Clooney arouse and thrill. Yet the uneasy feeling that Butterfly can trust no one persists. Finally The American is about the meaning of one man's life. Paolo Bonacelli as Father Benedetto is the catalyst who gets Edward thinking about what he does and why he does it. When Edward calls his boss Pavel (Johan Leysen) to announce that this is going to be his last mission, it comes as no surprise.

The American will appeal to seekers of a deep, thoughtful experience. It is a meditative character study that some - but not all - Clooney fans will enjoy. There is a quiet elegance to this film. Dutch director Anton Corbijn crafted it with great attention to detail.

The American has not won wide critical acclaim. But it is the kind of film that a box office superstar like George Clooney can choose to make.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

Sonblackosea

Jan 2, 2011

Brilliant and Beautiful. See this movie if you are looking for a thoughtful meditation on the psyche of an assassin who no longer has the desire to work as one. This is the story of a soul seeking something other than what he has, but he does not know what it is he is looking for or how toBrilliant and Beautiful. See this movie if you are looking for a thoughtful meditation on the psyche of an assassin who no longer has the desire to work as one. This is the story of a soul seeking something other than what he has, but he does not know what it is he is looking for or how to get it. Rather than this being a violent and dull-witted or depressingly repentant movie, though, it is full of life and even hope. There is action in the movie, but the action serves a purpose. Thus, it is not an "action-packed thriller" (like the ad would have the viewer believe), as much as it is a portrait of a human being seeking transformation of a sort - if not of the religious variety, certainly of the spiritual.

The cinematography was excellent - beautiful natural images, very striking bits of composition in various room and street scenes, and a wonderful use of color. The storyline was somewhat canned, but the acting was very solid and some of the dialogue was exceptional in its deceptive simplicity. I will keep thinking about this one for some time.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

MarcDoyle

Sep 9, 2010

I heard a couple of meatheads walking out of the theater on Oahu say, "I didn't get it.... George Clooney officially ruined his reputation with this one." Huh?? What's not to get? It's not a bad movie by any stretch, but is has much more deliberate pacing than the trailer would suggest.I heard a couple of meatheads walking out of the theater on Oahu say, "I didn't get it.... George Clooney officially ruined his reputation with this one." Huh?? What's not to get? It's not a bad movie by any stretch, but is has much more deliberate pacing than the trailer would suggest. This was not meant to be another Bourne movie. If you're a fan of a show like Rubicon, you'll love it. The actresses in this film are spectacular. (Not sure it's them or the parts - or the direction - but are great opposite George.)… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

GOUGH

Sep 4, 2010

What did every one want? It was beautiful. You knew what was going to happen? The book I'm sure played out the conflicted character bit better than the film portrayed it, and so the film is weak there, but the rest works. Slow? Fast? Not enough going on? It was what it was, and because itWhat did every one want? It was beautiful. You knew what was going to happen? The book I'm sure played out the conflicted character bit better than the film portrayed it, and so the film is weak there, but the rest works. Slow? Fast? Not enough going on? It was what it was, and because it was "different" I'm glad. Don't particularly care for Clooney, but unless a guy like this does this kind of thing, you won't see films like this in the theatre, and most folks would be glad of that, but I won't. I like throwbacks, homages, and a bit of do "different's". And over all it was fine. No, probably won't see it again, but then again, most films these days I won't. Can't usually, films don't get shown again in theatres much. Demise of life, that.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

kabloom

Sep 3, 2010

Nonstop glum performance by George Clooney without any lightness or humor. Riddled with cliches like the whore with the heart of gold and remarkably heavy-handed symbolism. The audience I was with was ahead of the film, unfortunately. Just a drag from the five minute mark onward.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

imthenoob

Mar 7, 2019

I wouldn't say that I hated it but I do very strongly dislike it because it's slow and predictable. You could skip at least the first 30 minutes of this movie and still have a solid idea as to what's going on.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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