The American

Very stiff, very heavy handed movie. An archetype is not enough for a plot or script :/
The twist was literally stated to the audience & there was no theme or heart to the story at all. Very mid.

Wanted to be an optimist and give it a meh because some shots are pretty well done. But man too slow and boring

Rating: 5.9/10 ⭐️

The Good:

• Visually Stunning: The film is impeccably composed, with Martin Ruhe's cinematography transforming the Abruzzo region of Italy into a character in its own right—both beautiful and isolating.
• Powerful Performance: George Clooney delivers a restrained performance as Jack/Edward, conveying weariness and deep-seated paranoia through subtle glances and quiet actions.
• Atmospheric Direction: Anton Corbijn's direction is patient and confident, drawing influence from classic European cinema and Westerns, giving the film a timeless, art-house quality.

The Not So Good:

• Slow Pace: The film's deliberate pace can feel alienating and draining for viewers expecting a conventional action-packed thriller.
• Limited Character Development: The minimalist approach can make it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters on an emotional level, potentially perceiving them as cold or distant.
• Mismatched Expectations: The marketing may have created mismatched expectations, as the film is more of an anti-thriller, prioritizing mood and atmosphere over plot and action.

The Verdict:
The American is a beautifully crafted, melancholic neo-western disguised as an assassin thriller. While its glacial pace may not be for everyone, it's a rewarding watch for patient viewers who appreciate meticulous filmmaking and understated performances. The film lingers, leaving an impression of beautiful, sun-drenched loneliness.

Wanted to be an optimist and give it a meh because some shots are pretty well done. But man too slow and boring

Rating: 5.9/10 ⭐️

The Good:

• Visually Stunning: The film is impeccably composed, with Martin Ruhe's cinematography transforming the Abruzzo region of Italy into a character in its own right—both beautiful and isolating.
• Powerful Performance: George Clooney delivers a restrained performance as Jack/Edward, conveying weariness and deep-seated paranoia through subtle glances and quiet actions.
• Atmospheric Direction: Anton Corbijn's direction is patient and confident, drawing influence from classic European cinema and Westerns, giving the film a timeless, art-house quality.

The Not So Good:

• Slow Pace: The film's deliberate pace can feel alienating and draining for viewers expecting a conventional action-packed thriller.
• Limited Character Development: The minimalist approach can make it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters on an emotional level, potentially perceiving them as cold or distant.
• Mismatched Expectations: The marketing may have created mismatched expectations, as the film is more of an anti-thriller, prioritizing mood and atmosphere over plot and action.

The Verdict:
The American is a beautifully crafted, melancholic neo-western disguised as an assassin thriller. While its glacial pace may not be for everyone, it's a rewarding watch for patient viewers who appreciate meticulous filmmaking and understated performances. The film lingers, leaving an impression of beautiful, sun-drenched loneliness.

Very stiff, very heavy handed movie. An archetype is not enough for a plot or script :/
The twist was literally stated to the audience & there was no theme or heart to the story at all. Very mid.