This Killer Assassin Thriller Deserves A Watch This Weekend
This movie in a nutshell? Hmm: Clooney, existential hitman, builds guns and bonds with Italian prostitutes.
By Ted Pillow
Anton Corbijn’s sleek, existential drama is a haunting throwback to 70s Euro-thrillers.
The American is an understated, mysterious throwback to the Euro-influenced, sleek thrillers of the 70s. So, of course, modern audiences were all like “tl;dr” and used the film primarily as mood lighting while checking Instagram.
Following a burnt-out assassin (George Clooney) holed up for the obligatory “one last job” in a picturesque Italian village (the cinematography here is stunning), The American’s plotting is leaner than a prizefighter. Fortunately, director Anton Corbijn uses that minimalism to his advantage, generating plenty of tension. Clooney opts for brooding rather than charming, delivering an excellent performance that’s as enigmatic and alluring as the film itself.
The American ends with some nagging questions, but these are small gripes against an intelligent, gripping thriller that’s perfect for a weekend watch.
