The American

 "The American"
Starring: George Clooney, Irina Bjorklund, Johan Leysen, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido
Directed by: Anton Corbijn
105 minutes

Throughout much of "The American," George Clooney's persona is stripped down to a minimal shadow, a vessel of regret, ambiguity, and stillness. In fact, much of director Anton Corbijn's second film is a throwback to 70's thrillers.  It's more finely tuned and executed as an art house project rather than its marketed spy thriller mold. Corbijn, who made his name as a Dutch photographer is much more enticed by mood and atmosphere than plot. Corbin's debut film "Control," was a moody piece that chronicled the doomed last days of Joy Division's Ian Curtis. The film caught the eye of many, and made Coribijn a name to watch. This film, which is set in multiple gorgeous locales, is a another great canvas for the artist to flesh out his palette. Corbijn's sensual photography is essential to the film's beauty and a contrast to its protagonists' sins.

Make no mistake, the main attraction is Clooney. His fragmented, but quiet and stirring soul of an assassin is the primary reason the film holds. Clooney plays Jack, a thin, neatly looking gun- for- hire who is mercilessly devoted to his work. In terms of a character study, picture a Michael Mann film, but without the style and gun blazing. Jack can't separate himself from his work, he's a loner who can't do much else, nor wants to. Clooney's Jack is haunted by events that start the film, and serve as his nightmarish reminder of who he is throughout.

He has few contacts, one is his boss Pavel, an older man who looks to have lived two lifetimes. His relationship to Jack is simple, he explains the next mark, and it's Jack whom obliges. This time, Jack is told to lay low in the Italian countryside while waiting for directions on a last job. Jack spends much time alone in cafe's and bars feeling the weight and uncertainty of his predicament.  His other contacts are both female, one is a precise marksmen whom Jack is building a gun for. They recognize each other as animals of the same game, one is looking to be healed, the other could care less of anything but the job. Jack's primary interest outside his work lies in a prostitute named Clara (Placido), a woman whom Jack will only give business to. They have little in common, but she's slowly drawn into his frenzy of guilt, she can make him whole again.

The film was adapted by Rowan Joffe from a book by Martin Booth. While the plot of the film is shoestring thin, it's of course what most detractors will complain off. If one can allow themselves to be thrust into the films mood and atmosphere, the film will increasingly drawn you in. It's the deliberate pacing, and quiet paranoia that slowly ratchets up the tension. Jack ends up meeting a priest that has taken slight interest in him, perhaps Jack is different from other tourists in the eye of the priest. They talk about simple things, sometimes Jack says nothing, sometimes he offers a little more. The priest serves no great purpose, just an observer to a lost man.

I imagine some will grow frustrated while viewing "The American," I for one was enthralled. Some will say the trailers' promises weren't kept, but the vision of Corbijn and the acting of Clooney is what remains un-compromised. Those looking for a action packed thriller should turn elsewhere for satisfaction. "The American," has arrived in a month of cinematic bottom feeders. With Corbijn's artful eye and Clooney's uncanny acting range, this is a film to seek out.

Grade: 3.5/5