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The American
2010 104 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★6.3
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Anton Corbijn
🎭 Based on
«A Very Private Gentleman»
byMartin Booth
Trailers
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Description
Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, assassin Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$35.61M
Worldwide:
$67.9M
Starring
George Clooney
Actor
Paolo Bonacelli
Actor
Violante Placido
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2011
— Best Actor
Saturn Awards 2011
— Best Horror/Thriller Film
Key opinion
The American is a polarizing, atmospheric character study that prioritizes visual mood and meditative silence over traditional thriller pacing. While some viewers find its minimalist approach hypnotic and deeply melancholic, others dismiss it as a hollow, pretentious exercise in style that lacks the narrative momentum expected of the genre.
| Cinematography | Anton Corbijn delivers a visually striking film characterized by beautiful, static cinematography of Italian landscapes that effectively evokes isolation. | |
| Acting | George Clooney anchors the film with a restrained, soulful performance that communicates profound weariness and loneliness despite having very little dialogue. | |
| Screenplay | The script is widely criticized for relying on well-worn hitman clichés and thin character development, failing to elevate the narrative beyond a surface-level portrait. | |
| Pacing | The film's deliberate, meditative pacing is a source of sharp division; some find it a refreshing, immersive experience, while others perceive it as boring and exhausting. |