I reviewed The American for the folks over at Moving Pictures.
| Quote: |
| A sublime thriller, “The American” opens quietly among the snow-covered forests of Sweden. Jack, a bearded, salt-and-pepper-haired George Clooney, and his lover Ingrid (beautiful Finnish actress Irina Björklund) enjoyed an idyllic existence, broken by the appearance of assassins. |
| Quote: |
| Rife with predictable plot elements, director Anton Corbijn (“Control”) smartly relies on fantastic acting to drive the low-key film. The understated Clooney expertly creates an air of gravitas. Veteran character actor Bonacelli (“Mission: Impossible III”) successfully elevates the clichéd role of Father Benedetto. Perfectly complementing the handsome lead, the charming Italian actress Placido sizzles in her first English-language role. Internationally acclaimed, the alluring Reuten (“Twin Sisters”) ideally encapsulates the femme fatale. |
| Quote: |
| More than any of the actors or Corbijn’s skillful direction, cinematographer Martin Ruhe’s (“Harry Brown”) magnificent vistas function as the centerpiece for the beautiful thriller. The film’s deliberate pace affords many opportunities to enjoy the amazing visions of the Italian countryside. |