THE AMERICAN

Photos provided by Focus Features

George Clooney begins to have second thoughts regarding his profession in the thriller THE AMERICAN.

Clooney is Jack, an assassin who travels across the globe to perform his assignments. Jack’s most recent job in Italy, just like all of his other hits, forces Jack to remain in proverbial isolation from others. While in Italy, Jack begins a relationship with Clara, a prostitute. What begins as a standard call-girl, client affair leads to a romance, and one which may compromise Jack’s latest job.

An independent, solemn, and yet thrilling character study, THE AMERICAN has been packaged as a standard thriller with Clooney at the helm. The fact that the film reached the top of the box office for it’s first week of release is a testament to Clooney’s star power and a successful ad campaign.

Although THE AMERICAN isn’t exactly what it appears, it is an intriguing and understated film about the disconnect between man and his surroundings. Jack’s violent escapades lead him across the map in search of his latest hit, visiting exotic and beautiful locales, women and cultures, none of which can be truly appreciated by the killer. Jack’s assignments don’t appear to be the most important thing in his life, but the only thing in his life.

Clooney portrays Jack as a cold and distant soul, not immune to life’s wonderments, but rather detached and frightened of the affect it may have if he chooses to embrace them. This makes for a compelling and often overlooked theme, but one more suited for an actor with a sharper edge. Although Clooney’s Jack is an engaging character, benefiting from the actor’s natural star power, the dark and distant side seems like too much of a stretch for one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors.

The film was directed by Anton Corbjin, who has an eye for both natural and human landscapes. By capturing the allure of both, THE AMERICAN creates a substantial atmosphere, one that even Jack comes to appreciate.

Grade: B-