The American: Blu Ray Review
The American
Rating: R16
Released by Universal
George Clooney stars as Jack, an assassin, who's been ordered to
lie low in Italy after his cover in Sweden is blown, resulting in a
bloodbath.
While there he befriends an elderly priest, falls for a prostitute
Clara (Violante Placido) and takes on one last job.
However, the demons of the past are catching up with him.
Deceptively shot and simply made, The American is a thrilling
ride.
With a restrained performance from Clooney, it's hard to root for
this assassin as we learn very little about him - many shots are of
him constructing a gun or merely going about his day to day
business while waiting for the storm to blow over. Clooney's rarely
been better than when he plays against type - and this is no
exception.
It's a good solid turn from Clooney which sees you sucked into
empathizing with him very early on - even if the opening does shock
you.
It's a gradually building, well acted and restrained drama which
has you in its vice like grip as the final moments play out.
Extras: Deleted scenes, making of and commentary -
nothing wildly exciting but solid nonetheless
Rating: 8/10
