Dropping the convenient charm and well-groomedness of his established career, Clooney turns inward. We now associate him with grim and unyielding intimacy. He has permeated his latest performance with one of the most gorgeous displays of genuine emotional torment in recent history and what a better time to bring that kind of impact than at the tail end of a mundane Summer at the movies.
The American, a strikingly poignant tale of self-betrayal and secrecy, is far from your average conspiracy thriller. Bourne is nowhere in sight instead we come to observe the secret life of simple and solemn Jack. Simple Jack, no relation to the Ben Stiller, is a master assassin and is sent to a small town in Sweden to peruse his “work”.
The American, a strikingly poignant tale of self-betrayal and secrecy, is far from your average conspiracy thriller. Bourne is nowhere in sight instead we come to observe the secret life of simple and solemn Jack. Simple Jack, no relation to the Ben Stiller, is a master assassin and is sent to a small town in Sweden to peruse his “work”.
It begins with the most memorable opening scene of a film I can remember. An abhorrent tragedy induces in the audience a fear of the man and the world of terror and violence that engulfs him. Director Anton Corbijin’s narrow, scoped vision is astonishing. Enhanced by classic, noir-ish elements, melancholy constituents of distrust and the elevation of personal judgment within the character Jack, the film is anything but formulaic. The narrative essentially unfolds from within and its flow is seamless and fascinating.
Tension is relentlessly drawn out as we follow Jack in and out of danger. As his weaknesses are exposed his salvation seems nearly hopeless. Two major characters, a priest and a prostitute, challenge his humanity in heartrending and evocative ways. The latter is given much screen time late in the film as Jack recognizes a newly proposed life of possibility and commitment.
The final scenes bring down a house of cards and, as this new life is ultimately sought after, certain sacrifices are made. A film this foreboding and emotionally saturated might prove too much for some to grasp but with careful awareness and consideration paid you will not find a more captivating American film this year.