500 Days Of Film Reviews The American And Finds A Quiet, Clinical Thriller... And George Clooney’s Ears
The American stars George Clooney as a weapons engineer who, as a result of a rather brutal event at the beginning of the film, is on the run.
He escapes to a remote village in Italy.
Whilst there he contemplates the emptiness of his life.
He wonders if he can yet make a meaningful connection. Oh and he also tries not to get dead.
Is It Any Good?
The American is a film that I appreciated rather than enjoyed.
I appreciated the way the film looks - the gorgeous scenery is beautifully shot.
I appreciated the plot. I appreciated Clooney’s central performance and did feel for him at the end.
I just didn’t feel engaged. In fact, I felt removed.
Is that how I am supposed to feel? Is this the aim? Detachment is after all key to the plot.
I’m not sure. In the end, it just all felt rather clinical.
Random Observations
Just a warning, not that I am prudish or anything, but there is an element of nudity in this film - several elements actually. In fact, the film has barely started before you see a bare behind. Scandalous.
There are lots of shots of and behind George Clooney’s head in this film. For some inexplicable reason (linked perhaps to the advent of HD TV) I became rather obsessed with his ears...