The American (2010)

Director: Anton Corbijn

Starring: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Paolo Bonacelli, Thekla Reuten,

More info: IMDB

Plot: Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

My rating: 8.5/10

Will I watch it again? Absolutely.

Stunning. Quiet. Patient. Peaceful. Beautiful. Daring. Rewarding. If you go into this expecting a Bond or Bourne film you will be quickly disappointed. There are long stretches of silence throughout, little dialogue and little action. It's a meditation on the world of an assassin. Clooney's 'Jack' is very good at his job. To maintain his expertise he resigned himself to a particular lifestyle, one that keeps anyone from getting attached and that keeps some from living. Clooney delivers a confident and warm performance. He's the only name Americans will know. It's a very European film in more than just the location and the talent in front of and behind the camera. It has a mature sensibility that you don't see in Hollywood films.

I expect audiences are either going to love it or hate it. It's a damn fine film and one to be proud of. I want more like this. My only complaint was sitting in a theater with a couple hundred people. I would have preferred to be alone to enjoy the tranquility of THE AMERICAN.